Urgent Action Required to Address Human Rights Violations Against the Dolok Parmonangan Indigenous Community

We, the undersigned organizations and individuals, are gravely concerned about the escalating violence and rights violations perpetrated against the Dolok Parmonangan Indigenous community in Simalungun, North Sumatra, Indonesia. These incidents, involving PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) security personnel, have resulted in physical injuries of community members, blocked access to customary territories, and the destruction of vital natural resources. This conflict, compounded by the prosecutor’s appeal to re-imprison Indigenous members already acquitted, signifies a severe and ongoing attack on the rights, safety, and dignity of the Dolok Parmonangan community.

Background

On 2 December 2024, community members discovered the construction of a post blocking their main access road to a critical water source. Security personnel armed with clubs, rattan sticks, and shields refused to provide any explanation or allow passage, despite the community’s peaceful inquiries.

Later the same morning, the community attempted to access their water source via another route, only to find it obstructed and guarded. Tensions escalated when a security guard pushed a community member into a two-meter-deep excavation, resulting in a confrontation where one Indigenous person sustained severe head injuries.

At around 11:00 am, the community witnessed active logging near their sacred water source, further infringing on their rights and cultural heritage. Attempts to stop these activities were met with renewed aggression, stone-throwing by security personnel, and additional injuries to community members.

The continued presence of TPL operations within the Dolok Parmonangan customary territory, combined with legal actions against community members, underscores a systematic effort to undermine Indigenous sovereignty and criminalize their defense of ancestral lands.

Our Demands:

1. Halt all logging, construction, and security operations by PT. Toba Pulp Lestari within the Dolok Parmonangan Indigenous territory.
2. Ensure the safety of affected Indigenous community members and provide them with access to legal aid.
3. End the prosecution and appeals process targeting Indigenous leaders and members.
4. Recognize and respect the Dolok Parmonangan community’s rights to their ancestral lands as guaranteed under the Indonesian Constitution, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and other international human rights instruments.
5. Conduct an impartial investigation into the violence and human rights violations committed by TPL security personnel, ensuring those responsible are held accountable.

Call to Action:

We urge the Government of Indonesia, KOMNAS HAM, and all relevant authorities to act decisively to prevent further escalation, ensure justice, and uphold the human rights of the Dolok Parmonangan Indigenous community. Failure to act will perpetuate a dangerous precedent of impunity and further marginalization of Indigenous Peoples.

We also call on PT. Toba Pulp Lestari to:

• Suspend all operations within the Dolok Parmonangan territory until community consent is obtained.
• Establish a culturally appropriate grievance mechanism to address the community’s complaints effectively.

Endorsement:

We welcome either organizational or individual endorsements to reinforce our collective stance. When submitting your endorsement, kindly include the following details:

For Organizational Endorsement:

• Organization Name
• Country
• Email

For Individual Endorsement:

• Your Name
• Country
• Email

Please submit your endorsements to Ms. Surti Handayani (surtydiza@gmail.com) and Bablu Chakma (bablu@aippnet.org) by or before 20 December 2024.

We extend our gratitude in advance for standing with us in solidarity and support for the Dolok Parmonangan Indigenous community.