Indonesia

Voiceover:

In Indonesia, the government has permitted companies to clear and drain peatlands for large-scale oil palm plantations.

Clearing and draining peatland releases large amounts of stored carbon into the air, accelerating climate change.

Rural communities, including transmigrants from Java, who live on peatlands, risk losing their land and their livelihoods. 

Palm oil companies have taken land from villagers without consultation, replacement land, or sufficient compensation, violating rights to property and an adequate standard of living.

Plantation operations contribute to peatland degradation, affecting the local subsistence crop yields and food security. 

With the loss of farmland, some women take difficult, low-paying jobs on the plantations or work for no pay to help their families. 

Communities trying to protect their land have been intimidated by the police.

The Indonesian government should take urgent action to safeguard local land rights and protect the environment and communities fighting for their rights.