The paradise that is Meratus is under threat. The high activity of mineral and coal mining, as well as the rampant cultivation of oil palm plantations, have caused irreversible damage to this precious ecosystem.
The Extinction Rebellion MERATUS is a passionate group of environmental advocates who are committed to preserving the breathtaking natural beauty of the Meratus mountain range in South Kalimantan, Indonesia. Meratus is revered as the “mother earth” or “ibu bumi” by locals, and for good reason – it is a place of unparalleled splendor and awe-inspiring majesty.
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Extinction Rebellion MERATUS Fights to Save Paradise from Environmental Destruction
The paradise that is Meratus is under threat. The high activity of mineral and coal mining, as well as the rampant cultivation of oil palm plantations, have caused irreversible damage to this precious ecosystem. Wira Surya Wibawa, the tireless coordinator of Extinction Rebellion MERATUS, and his dedicated comrades have witnessed firsthand the disastrous effects of these practices.
In January 2021, there were a staggering 212 mining permits and 104 coal mineral mining concessions, totaling a whopping 1.6 million hectares of land. This wanton destruction of the environment has led to catastrophic floods that have ravaged thirteen cities, from the upstream city of Barabai to the Martapura River area and Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Banjarmasin, in particular, is in dire straits, as it is frequently hit by tidal floods whenever there is a high tide.
Extinction Rebellion MERATUS is on a mission to raise awareness of these issues and to inspire individuals and organizations to take action. They are determined to protect the Meratus ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. With their unwavering passion and commitment to the cause, the future of Meratus looks bright.
1.6 million ha area equivalent to half of Belgium. Hundreds of companies dredge mines here and leave 100 mine pits
Despite the severity of the environmental crisis in South Kalimantan, there has been a disturbing lack of action to address the issue. However, this dire situation has not deterred Wira and his passionate comrades. They have taken matters into their own hands by founding the Extinction Rebellion local chapter in Meratus.
Their first priority was to address the immediate needs of those who have been affected by the devastating floods. In a heartwarming act of kindness, they built an emergency school to provide aid and support to flood victims. But their work did not end there. They are steadfast in their commitment to raising awareness about South Kalimantan’s climate condition and the need to protect Meratus from further damage caused by weather anomalies.
Their ultimate goal is to inspire a collective movement through Extinction Rebellion MERATUS, reaching out to the unaccommodated, marginalized, and remote communities that have been left behind. With unbridled determination and an unwavering passion for the cause, Wira and his allies are blazing a trail of hope and resilience. Through their tireless efforts, they are creating a brighter future for the people of South Kalimantan and the majestic Meratus mountain range.
Extinction Rebellion MERATUS Celebrates International Women’s Day with Movement for Climate Justice
March 8th marked a momentous occasion for Extinction Rebellion MERATUS as they stood in solidarity with the world on International Women’s Day. Taking the stage in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, they broached a crucial topic: “Perempuan Berdaulat, Bumi dan Pangan Selamat” – women’s sovereignty, safe food and earth.
March 8th marked a momentous occasion for Extinction Rebellion MERATUS as they stood in solidarity with the world on International Women’s Day. Taking the stage in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, they broached a crucial topic: “Perempuan Berdaulat, Bumi dan Pangan Selamat” – women’s sovereignty, safe food and earth.
Women are in a vulnerable position that is being further weakened. In a deeply rooted patriarchal culture, women are often responsible for domestic work such as parenting, providing food for the family, and managing the family's economy, which creates a double burden for them. The impacts of climate change, such as crop failure and rising prices of basic commodities, only serve to suffocate and marginalize women, further eroding their sovereignty.
Extinction Rebellion MERATUS understands that women bear the brunt of the climate crisis. In 2022, when the weather took a turn for the worse, women were most affected. The extreme heat waves, unusual rainfall, and flooding had a disastrous impact on agriculture in South Kalimantan, further placing women in an already vulnerable position. Domestic work, providing food and managing the family economy, were already a heavy responsibility on their shoulders. The climate crisis exacerbated this burden and put their livelihoods at risk.
The patriarchal culture that still lingers has resulted in a double burden for women. The impact of crop failure has caused prices of basic commodities to skyrocket, causing further suffocation, marginalization, and usurping of women’s sovereignty.
In response to this crisis, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS has laid out a list of demands to protect women activists and the community environment. These seven demands are part of the resistance response to the climate crisis, and a necessary step towards a brighter, more equitable future for all:
- Stop various food estate projects that destroy the balance of the ecosystem, threaten people’s right to food, and marginalize women.
- Stop extending new permits for extractive industries in the South Kalimantan region and start reviewing existing permits.
- Repeal the Omnibus Law, which has been proven unconstitutional.
- Protect women activists, environmental activists, and critical thinking in society.
- Protect the territories of indigenous people and pass the Customary Law Community Bill immediately.
- Pass laws that protect women’s rights, including the Protection of Domestic Workers Bill.
- Stop all forms of discrimination based on bodily abilities and gender.
Numerous organizations have thrown their weight behind Extinction Rebellion MERATUS, including Narasi Perempuan and various campus groups. As part of their ongoing efforts to broaden awareness and spark action, the group recently distributed eye-catching stickers and posters during an International Women’s Day event. By doing so, they hoped to introduce their cause to a wider audience and encourage more individuals to join their fight to protect our planet from the ravages of climate change.
Joining Forces: Massive Climate Strike Across Indonesia with Extinction Rebellion MERATUS
Amid mounting concerns over the catastrophic impact of climate change, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS took to the streets on March 4th to participate in the Global Climate Strike Action, held in Banjarbaru, South Kalimantan. Their resolute efforts were bolstered by the support of over 80 organizations from across Indonesia, including Banjarbaru, Bandung, Bondowoso, Jakarta, Jambi, Jayapura, Kupang, East Kutai, Lombok, Medan, Pekanbaru, Pontianak, Solo, Sukabumi, and Yogyakarta.
With a united voice, the group issued a rallying cry for the government to prioritize the climate change emergency in this year’s political campaign. Specifically, they demanded three key actions to be taken:
With a united voice, the group issued a rallying cry for the government to prioritize the climate change emergency in this year’s political campaign. Specifically, they demanded three key actions to be taken:
- Policies and actions to control the climate crisis, with effective solutions, are a human right at stake.
- Politicians should commit to environmental aspects and the climate crisis, as many engage in greenwashing and youthwashing
- Real and fair solutions to climate action, including the energy transition, are necessary. False solutions, such as the maladaptation of various technologies entrusted to Indonesia’s energy transition agenda, will create new problems.
Fearlessly tackling some of the most pressing political and social issues facing Indonesia, the members of Extinction Rebellion MERATUS have been at the forefront of public discussions in recent times. From the contentious Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Bill to the Draft of the New Indonesian Criminal Code, the group has consistently highlighted the urgent need for meaningful action on these critical matters.
Despite the admirable bravery and unwavering commitment shown by Extinction Rebellion MERATUS, their efforts have not gone unnoticed by the authorities. Criminalization has emerged as a significant challenge for the group, with several members being arrested and monitored by individuals seeking to silence their voices.
Undeterred, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS continues to forge ahead, organizing 2-4 movements every month. One of their most impactful initiatives has been their collaboration with Sekolah Rakyat Kalimantan Selatan to educate students about environmental issues through book readings and coloring classes, covering a range of topics such as Kalimantan’s endemic flora and fauna, the impact of littering, and more.
The group’s activities are not limited to classrooms alone, as they also carry out a variety of outdoor events. For instance, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS creates murals, displays posters and banners at various strategic and iconic locations in South Kalimantan, all aimed at educating people about climate movements and environmental issues.
In another act of solidarity, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS joined forces with Aksi Kamisan Kalimantan Selatan, raising funds for victims of the Cianjur earthquake. Looking ahead, the group’s upcoming movement on August 17th, 2023 promises to be nothing short of extraordinary. Coinciding with Indonesia’s independence day, Extinction Rebellion MERATUS plans to undertake coral transplants and mangrove planting, marking yet another significant step forward in their tireless efforts to protect our planet’s delicate ecosystems.
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