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National scene: Activists: Jokowi should stop evictions
A group of activists calling themselves the Indonesian Peopleâs Movement (GDRI) has criticized the government for sidelining the poor in its development projects
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group of activists calling themselves the Indonesian People's Movement (GDRI) has criticized the government for sidelining the poor in its development projects.
GDRI member Sri Palupi said that during the Soeharto era, poor people were also evicted to make way for development projects.
'From the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono era until the current Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo mental revolution era, the poor have always been evicted under the pretext of orderliness, environmental restoration and cleanliness,' said Sri, a researcher at the Institute for Ecosoc Rights.
Both styles had the same substance, she claimed, and did not provide justice to the poor.
'If the reason behind an eviction is to preserve the environment, then why doesn't the government tear down malls and hotels?' Sri added.
One of President Jokowi's election campaign promises was to focus on the upholding of human rights and the struggle of the poor, the GDRI said.
Environmentalist Chalid Muhammad said Jokowi should give clear guidelines through the Home Ministry to all governors and mayors on how to use a persuasive approach in development projects.
'It is important for Jokowi to instruct all governors and mayors not to use a violent approach in evictions,' Chalid said.
