On May 16, 27 more residents were arrested after they protested against another nickel mining project, operated by PT Position, which had reportedly damaged the Maba Sangaji customary forest and Sangaji River. Police claimed the group was armed and acting violently.

Three days later, 11 of the 27 arrested were formally charged. They face multiple accusations including illegal possession of sharp weapons, obstruction of licensed mining activity under the Mining Law, and extortion under Indonesia’s Criminal Code. The charges carry sentences of up to one year or more.

Amnesty condemned the state’s failure to protect indigenous communities and human rights defenders. From January to May 2025 alone, 40 of the 88 human rights defenders attacked were indigenous people—nearly double the total for 2024. Amnesty says this reflects an alarming rise in the criminalization of indigenous resistance.

“These repressive tactics show the government is choosing violence and intimidation over dialogue,” Hamid said. “It’s time for the state to resolve conflicts fairly, stop human rights violations, and review mining permits that harm indigenous lands.” he closed. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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