Indonesian villagers face charges for protesting nickel mine
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Fourteen Indigenous residents of Sagea-Kiya Village in Central Halmahera, Indonesia, are facing legal action after protesting nickel mining on their customary land.
The residents reported a confrontation with workers from PT Zhong Hai Rare Metal Mining Indonesia after setting up a protest tent at the mine site. The company accused them of assault and obstructing operations, leading to a police investigation under laws concerning mineral mining.
This case follows a similar situation in 2025, where eleven members of the Maba Sangaji Indigenous Community in East Halmahera faced prosecution for opposing mining on their land. Lawyers representing the Sagea-Kiya residents argue that authorities are using legal means to criminalize communities who defend their land and rights, and that the residents were not consulted when their territory was designated for mining.
Fahrizal Dirhan, head of the Save Sagea Advocacy Team, stated the accusations against the residents, including two women accused of organizing the protest, are attempts to discredit the movement and influence public opinion. The Save Sagea coalition has existed for years, originally forming to protect the environment and community. Dirhan’s team is exploring options like mediation to resolve the case, but emphasizes this does not equate to admitting wrongdoing.
He also criticized the lack of intervention from local government to support the Indigenous community.
