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

Baca Juga: Maxus Siap Bersaing dengan Lexus dan Toyota Alphard di Kendaraan Premium Listrik Indonesia Mulai 2025

For Ahmad Yani, Jatayu's advisor, and Jatayu's Chairman, Rodi, this reality was a call to action.

"We cannot remain silent when our livelihoods, our land, and our sea are being destroyed," said Pak Rodi. "Jatayu was born from the awareness that we must unite to fight this injustice."

Together with residents of Mekarsari Village, Ujung Gebang, and the surrounding areas, they organized protests, sued for the construction permit for Indramayu II PLTU and demanded the closure of Indramayu I PLTU.

Baca Juga: Menilik Keseriusan Indonesia Memangkas Karbon, antara Regulasi dan Aksi Iklim yang Belum Terlihat

National and International Support

The Jatayu movement grew stronger with support from environmental organizations such as WALHI West Java and international networks such as Friends of the Earth Japan and GreenFaith.

When GreenFaith Indonesia and GreenFaith Japan held a dialogue on energy transition and public health in Indramayu on October 24, 2024, various parties, including environmental activists, academics, and religious figures, provided support for the struggle of the Jatayu residents.

"We will spread information about this struggle throughout the world. The Jatayu residents are not fighting alone," said Hening, Director of GreenFaith Indonesia.

Baca Juga: Terekam CCTV Detik-Detik Truk Tronton Tabrak 6 Kendaraan di Slipi, Sopir Mengaku Ngantuk

Meanwhile, Ricka Ayu from Kebumi highlighted the health impacts of air pollution from the PLTU, and Hozue Hatae from Friends of the Earth Japan praised the courage of the Jatayu residents.

"You are not alone," said Hozue. "Your struggle is an inspiration to the world, and we will continue to support you until justice is achieved."

This support has become a new spirit for the Jatayu residents to continue their struggle, even though challenges continue to arise.

Hening Parlan, Director of GreenFaith Indonesia, together with the Team from GreenFaith Japan led by Yoshiro Sada, Director of Green Faith Japan, are on a stretch of agricultural land with the PLTU Indramayu I building in the background.

Towards the Closure of the Indramayu PLTU