Original article written by: Alex Stambaugh and Masrur Jamaluddin
Masita's poignant journey unfolds against the backdrop of Sulawesi's once-thriving landscape, where a mountain, once adorned with her family's pepper trees, now stands barren. The abrupt loss of their livelihood came when Masita's daughter phoned from the market, revealing the destruction of their trees. In 2015, Masita's entire village in East Luwu was forcibly evicted to make way for a nickel mine, part of Indonesia's push to dominate the global market. Her attempt to protect the land met resistance, echoing the broader issue of unclear land titles leading to conflicts. The backdrop is the global demand for nickel, crucial for stainless steel and lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), inadvertently victimizing farmers like Masita, for whom pepper cultivation is a lifeline.
The aftermath of eviction brought Masita a meager one-time payment of $3,223, a stark contrast to the potential $386 monthly income from her pepper farm. The Indonesian government's rush for nickel has inadvertently disadvantaged those relying on farming, particularly women like Masita, for whom agriculture is a key source of income and economic opportunity. Her life has become a daily struggle, marked by borrowing from banks and a stark departure from the prosperity that once characterized her family's connection to the land. Masita's story embodies the human cost of rapid industrialization, where economic gains for a nation can come at the profound expense of individuals and communities deeply intertwined with the land they once called their own.
Indonesia, under President Joko Widodo, aggressively advances its electric vehicle (EV) goals, driving a surge in processed nickel exports through EV-friendly policies. The ban on raw nickel ore exports for domestic processing significantly boosts the country's nickel industry but triggers distressing land seizures, as seen in cases like Masita's farm in South Sulawesi. This intricate interplay of industrial ambition and local well-being highlights Indonesia's challenge in harmonizing economic development with citizens' rights and traditional livelihoods. The nation's history of contentious land grabs, particularly for palm oil production, persists despite efforts to balance economic growth with environmental concerns. In South Sulawesi, the "Women Fighters of Loeha" group opposes land seizures threatening their pepper farming. As Indonesia aims for a role in the EV industry, environmental NGO WALHI warns against the ecological impact of nickel mining expansion on Sulawesi. Consequences, including deforestation and social damage, are overlooked, with mining companies facing accusations of unfair practices. WALHI advocates consumer awareness and pressure on companies and the government to address conflicts arising from land exploitation in the pursuit of green energy.
Conclusion:
The plight of women like Masita serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost tied to rapid industrialization. Indonesia's pursuit of electric vehicle ambitions and nickel mining expansion highlights the urgent need for a balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of individuals, protects traditional livelihoods, and addresses the complex interplay between economic development and environmental responsibility. As consumers, advocates, and global citizens, raising awareness and applying pressure on companies and governments can play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable and equitable future.