The Persistence of the Jatayu Community in Demanding the Closure of the Indramayu PLTU, from Criminalization to International Support

HUKAMANEWS GreenFaith - In the coastal area of ​​the North Coast of Java, precisely in Indramayu Regency, West Java, the voices of the community echoed against the existence of the coal-fired Steam Power Plant (PLTU), PLTU Indramayu.

This struggle was pioneered by the Indramayu Coal Smokeless Network (Jaringan Tanpa Asap Batubara Indramayu - Jatayu) community, which consists of farmers, farm laborers, fishermen, and other small communities. They unite for one goal: to protect their land, sea, and air from the threat of pollution that destroys the environment and health.

Since PLTU 1 began operating in 2011, residents have begun to feel the direct impact on their lives. Starting from damaged agricultural land to declining fish catches, the PLTU has brought disaster to their livelihoods.

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Farmers like Ramini, 49 years old, tell the story of how coconuts that used to grow well suddenly died due to exposure to air pollution. Meanwhile, small fishermen like Misra and Ajid complain about the PLTU waste that pollutes the sea and reduces their fish catch.

"Many shrimp and fish seeds die. We used to be able to catch 100-200 kg of fish a night, but now we often go home empty-handed," said Misra sadly.

Ahmad Yani, Jatayu's advisor, said that the construction of PLTU 1 has taken away fertile land that has been a source of livelihood for residents.

"We strongly reject the construction of PLTU 2 because it has been proven that PLTU 1 has damaged our land," he said.

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The presence of PLTU I has not only damaged the environment, but also public health. Surmi, 53, a laborer who works at PLTU I, told how the black smoke that continuously billows from the chimney made her eyes sore and she had to undergo six operations.

"Now I can only see with one eye. The smoke has ruined my life," she said regretfully.

Surmi, 53, a laborer who works at PLTU I, told how the black smoke that continuously billows from the chimney made her eyes sore and she had to undergo six operations.

This condition is made worse by the intimidation and criminalization experienced by residents. Pak Edo, one of the residents who rejected the Indramayu I PLTU project, was even imprisoned because he was accused of being involved in the mob violence. Even though he was actually only trying to reconcile the land dispute.

"We only wanted to defend our land and sea. But we were accused and thrown in prison," he recalled.