Save Aru Islands from Deforestation & Exploitation!
Friends, help us to save Aru islands!
Aru Islands is located far from the capital of Maluku province, or even from the Indonesian capital. They sound almost inaudible to stop the destruction of 500,000 of about 630,000 hectares of its forests to plantations of sugarcane by a corporate called PT.Menara Group. Although not much help, people are still fighting for their forests. By signing this petition, you make sure they do not left alone. And just maybe, their voices could be heard by the government.
Consists of more than 250 small and tiny islands, Aru archipelago is well known as the only region in Maluku, Indonesia where 4 species of golden birds of paradise are living in harmony with Black Cockatoo, Tree Kangaroo, Cassowary, Deer, and indigenous people, those who depend on the forest for at least 75% of their daily needs. However, Aru Islands is a portrait of peaceful suffer and poverty. Although living the beautiful and richness environment, the poverty rate for indigenous people up to 50%.
Unfortunately, instead of developing projects to improve the lives of people living in poverty, crazy policy of Maluku government allowed a greedy investment of 28 companies from Jakarta to replace 500000 hectares of Aru forest with sugar cane plantation while the remain 200000 hectares less is just left for environmental protection. Ironically, the poor Aru people know nothing about this plan though a national regulation guarantees an indigenous land right.
Currently, a way of life and a unique environment of Aru Islands is threatened to be destroyed. Aru people are crying for help. They've organized their rally to stop the project because the sweetness of sugar is a bitter taste for them and their environment as well. Let us stand in solidarity with them! #SaveAru
---
When I add this paragraph, permission from the Minister of Forestry has been bagged by the corporation. This is sad news for us. But the initiative to save lives in Aru kept rolling. We do everything we can to save Aru. Through poetry, video, legal advocacy, protest, paintings, photographs, and so forth. To Aru! Yes, for Aru! Listen to the voice of our hearts here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0AolKskEKM and find out more about us here: www.savearuislands.com
---
You could also send text on twitter to President of Indonesia and Minister of Forestry of Indonesia, as follow:
Mr @SBYudhoyono and Mr @Zul_Hasan, stop deforestation & exploitation on Aru islands. D'soil is their soul. Dont let corporate take it. #SaveAru now or miss it forever.
Blessings,
1) Sicillia Leiwakabessy @george_sicillia, 2) Jacky Manuputty @jmanuputty, 3) Save Aru Islands Volunteers @savearuislands