"On environmental cases, the state tends to ease the permit process without considering the impacts of projects on the locals. We consider that to be a form of state repression," LBH Bandung director Willy Hanafi said on Monday, alluding to protests over environmental damages caused by industrial and mining activities.

One such case was Siam Cement Group’s effort to obtain a permit to build a cement factory in Sirnaresmi, Sukabumi regency.

To secure the permit, the company had to gain the approval of local residents in the form of signatures. However, the residents – grouped under the Sukabumi Residents Resistance Forum – said the company managed to get a permit without asking for permission first.  

"The affected residents were never consulted, and our findings even found some kind of manipulation in the form of signature forgery," LBH Bandung land and environment department coordinator Gugun Kurniawan said.

In another case in Sukabumi, the residents of Leuwidinding village protested what they described as constant explosions coming from nearby karst mining activities.

"The surrounding area experienced drought, some residents’ houses were damaged, the risk of landslides heightened and there was also noise pollution," Gugun said.

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