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How a Durian Festival in Indonesia Became a Symbol of Resistance Against China-Backed Miner, September 13, 2024

Durian farmer Rainim Purba’s income has diminished since a mining infrastructure near her village was built. She used to earn nearly $10,000 a year, she said, but now, it has been slashed to half.

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Dairi Prima Mineral (DPM), a local mining company backed by state-firm China Nonferrous Metal Industry’s Foreign Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd. (China NFC), owns the mine. The mining infrastructure has already been constructed, but it is not yet operational.

A Jakarta court had initially ordered the Indonesian government to revoke DPM’s permit, but this decision was overturned in November 2023. Subsequently, the community escalated the case to the Supreme Court, which on August 12, 2024, ruled in favor of the residents, revoking DPM’s Environmental Permit.

Dissatisfied with the verdict, DPM filed for a judicial review with the Supreme Court. This means that the fight of Dairi people is not over yet. The threat is still looming.

With 80% of Dairi’s population dependent on agriculture, durian is one of the most valuable commodities in this area. Parongil Durian is not only a source of income, but also a symbol of cultural pride passed down through generations in the communities [...].

The proposed mining operation by DPM raises concerns about large-scale deforestation and severe environmental degradation in the Dairi region. Durian trees, which require a healthy and stable ecosystem, are at risk of extinction, along with other agricultural lands. The impact will not only destroy the environment but also jeopardize food security and the cultural identity of the local community.

Responding to the ongoing threat, civil society groups under the Alliance of Farmers for Justice (APUK) Dairi organized the 2024 Dairi Durian Festival, held on August 30-31 at the Djauli Manik National Building, Sidikalang, as a peaceful form of protest.

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Despite the project’s suspension due to public protests and pressure, concerns remain high about the long-term devastating impacts on the surrounding communities.