Students protest environmental exploitation in Papua on World Environment Day

Dozens of students gathered in front of the Indonesian parliament on Friday to protest environmental exploitation in Papua. The demonstration coincided with World Environment Day, with protesters carrying banners that read, "Stop exploitation. Environment is not a victim of development."

“

Stop exploitation. Environment is not a victim of development.

Speakers at the rally expressed concern over the plight of communities affected by environmental exploitation, noting that many parents struggle to provide for their children while public officials fail to enact policies that benefit the people. "A mother who cannot buy milk for her child, right? But those who have strategic positions in this country, they make policies that are not oriented towards better change," one orator stated.

The students also drew attention to the case of activist Andrie Yunus, who reportedly faced harassment. They criticized what they described as the arrogance of authorities in responding to public criticism. The protest included a joint prayer and the display of tires, with dozens of police officers present.

“

A mother who cannot buy milk for her child, right? But those who have strategic positions in this country, they make policies that are not oriented towards better change.

"Today, we also feel very uncomfortable with the condition of our country. They should use two functions, first the function of the brain and heart. But unfortunately, officials do not use their brains and hearts," said another speaker, criticizing the lack of empathy and sound judgment among public officials.

“

Today, we also feel very uncomfortable with the condition of our country. They should use two functions, first the function of the brain and heart. But unfortunately, officials do not use their brains and hearts.