HAYA, February 19, 2025 – Last Saturday afternoon (February 15), residents of the village of Haya gathered for a demonstration at the premises of PT Waragonda Minerals Pratama (WMP). Among the attendees were the village’s Saniri (traditional council), Kasasi, traditional and religious leaders, as well as women and youth. The demonstrators demanded that the company immediately cease its mineral sand mining activities on a 25.73-hectare site in South Ceram.
During the demonstration, the villagers placed a traditional sasi marker at the company’s entrance. This ritual signifies a prohibition on activities in the designated area and is deeply respected within Moluccan indigenous communities.
However, on Sunday evening (February 16), residents discovered that the sasi barrier had been deliberately destroyed by company employees. Outraged, villagers set out to hold those responsible accountable. When they could not find them at home, the crowd moved to the company’s premises. There, tensions escalated: some buildings were set on fire, and vehicles were vandalized.
According to the villagers, this was not an act of vandalism but a response to the ongoing violation of their traditional rights by the company and its employees. They emphasize that PT WMP must respect the indigenous rights of Haya’s original inhabitants and immediately cease its operations.
The situation remains tense, and Saka Mese Maluku will continue to monitor developments closely.
URGENT CALL TO ACTION
The violation of indigenous rights by corporations, their arrogance, and their blatant disregard for our traditions are increasing by the day.
In recent weeks, Saunulu, Haya, and Hatumete have fallen victim to these exploitative companies. Tomorrow, it could be your island and your village. The moment they discover valuable resources, they descend like predators.
The future of our children and grandchildren is at stake. They will become beggars in their own land while outsiders plunder and take away our wealth. Is this what we want?
If we refuse to accept this, then the time to unite is now. We must come together and discuss how to take a stand and stop these corporations.
These predators will soon be at your doorstep.
It’s now or never!