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Last year, a mining bill was proposed by the Indonesian government that would allow mining corporations to exploit the environment and empower them to commit even more human and indigenous rights atrocities than they already are. Now, the bill has been passed by the national parliament.
The mining industry already enjoys impunity in Indonesia, but now they can operate without any limitations to the size of their projects and permits are automatically extended by up to 20 years once they expire. Thus, the mining sector practically possesses limitless power to do as they please. This is expected to lead to massive deforestation, land disputes and human rights violations.
Critics have said that the bill is a blueprint of talking points from the mining industry that ignores the will of civil society groups, villagers and others who have demanded more regulations and restrictions on the exploitative mining sector. Hence, the Indonesian parliament is ignoring the will of the people. This is a violation of human rights and the principles of democracy.
The bill was voted on in parliament last year, but failed to pass after massive street protests erupted. The government and parliament therefore decided to exploit the coronavirus and social distancing restrictions to rush the bill through parliament this year.