Rights groups condemn Indonesia police crackdown on villagers opposing mining in Morowali, Central Sulawesi

Amnesty International Indonesia and Sarekat Hijau Indonesia have strongly criticised the arrest of environmental activists and the use of force by police in Torete Village, Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, warning that the state is increasingly criminalising residents who defend their land amid the expansion of the mining industry.

The condemnation follows a series of incidents in early January 2026 that saw activists detained, residents arrested during an armed police operation, and allegations of violence against civilians and a journalist.

Human rights and green political groups say the events reveal deep failures in agrarian governance, environmental protection and respect for civil liberties.

Amnesty: ‘State acts as private security for corporations’

In a press release, Amnesty International Indonesia said the Morowali case confirmed long-standing fears about arbitrary law enforcement following the implementation of Indonesia’s new Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).

“It did not take long for the police to demonstrate arbitrariness after the new KUHAP came into force,” said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

“The way the police are handling the agrarian conflict in Morowali sends a message that the state is weak when facing corporations suspected of violating residents’ land rights, yet extremely strong — even repressive — towards residents who protect the environment.”

Amnesty condemned what it described as arbitrary arrests and detentions of environmental activists, urging authorities to stop criminalising residents who are defending their rights to land and a healthy environment.

The escalation began on 3 January 2026 with the arrest of an environmental activist identified as AD, who is known locally for speaking out against alleged land and mangrove grabbing linked to mining operations.

AD was reported to police by a mining company employee on allegations of racial and ethnic discrimination — accusations that Amnesty said should be critically examined given his role as a vocal environmental advocate.

According to Amnesty, the use of criminal charges against land and environmental defenders reflects the practice of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), whereby legal instruments are deployed to silence legitimate civic action.

Such actions, Amnesty noted, are protected under Indonesia’s Constitution and anti-SLAPP provisions.

Armed policing and due process concerns

Tensions intensified after a mining company office was set on fire later the same day.

While Amnesty stressed that the burning of property must be investigated lawfully, it said the police response raised serious human rights concerns.

On 4 January, fully armed police personnel were deployed to Torete Village, where three residents were arrested in connection with the fire.

Videos widely shared on social media appear to show officers using force against civilians, including placing a resident in a chokehold when he asked to see an arrest warrant.

Media reports also quote residents as saying police pointed firearms at civilians and fired shots into the air.

“This kind of over-policing violates the principle of due process of law,” Amnesty said, adding that it contravenes Indonesia’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), particularly the rights to liberty, personal security and a fair trial.

Amnesty also drew parallels with a separate case in Pasaman, West Sumatra, where an elderly woman opposing illegal gold mining on her land was allegedly assaulted, arguing that both cases point to a broader pattern of violence against residents defending their living space.

Sarekat Hijau: A warning from extractive Indonesia

Sarekat Hijau Indonesia, a green political movement, framed the Morowali unrest as the social cost of extractive-led development that prioritises investment over people and ecosystems.

“This is not merely a security disturbance,” said Agus Salim, Chair of Sarekat Hijau Indonesia for Central Sulawesi.

“What happened in Torete shows the consequences when extractive development ignores human rights, ecological sustainability and grassroots democracy.”

Morowali has emerged as one of Indonesia’s most strategic mining hubs, particularly for nickel, a key input for electric vehicle batteries and green energy technologies.

While the sector has drawn major domestic and foreign investment, critics argue that rapid industrialisation has also generated land conflicts, ecological degradation and social tensions.

Agus Salim said Torete residents have long protested non-transparent land compensation schemes, alleged misuse of community development funds, and the takeover of farmland and mangrove ecosystems.

“Mangroves are treated as commodities, farms are seen as expendable, and residents are positioned as obstacles to investment,” he said.

“This development model contradicts the principles of green politics, which emphasise ecological limits, social justice and intergenerational equity.”

Criminalisation of defenders

The conflict in Torete involves mining firms PT Teknik Alum Service (TAS) and PT Raihan Catur Putra (RCP).

Sarekat Hijau said the land dispute has escalated not through dialogue or transparent legal mechanisms, but through intimidation and criminalisation.

Environmental activist Arlan Dahrin, who had been assisting community organising efforts, was arrested at the disputed site on 3 January, triggering anger among residents. Several hours later, the office of PT RCP was set on fire by a crowd.

While condemning the destruction of property, Agus Salim said such violence must be understood in the context of systemic failure. “Green politics rejects violence,” he said. “But violence often emerges when dialogue is closed and democratic channels collapse.”

The situation worsened during the armed operation the following day, when residents’ homes were surrounded and multiple civilians were arrested. Journalist Royman M. Hamid, who was reporting on the events, was also allegedly subjected to violence.

“These actions raise serious concerns about proportionality and due process,” Agus Salim said, adding that companies also have responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to avoid contributing to abuses.

Calls for release and reform

Amnesty International Indonesia and Sarekat Hijau Indonesia have called for the immediate release of activists arrested for defending land and environmental rights, including AD.

They are also demanding an independent investigation into police conduct in Torete Village and accountability for any violations.

“The burning of a company office must not be used to justify further repression,” Agus Salim said. “What is needed is an independent investigation, accountability for law enforcement, and conflict resolution that genuinely involves the community.”

For both organisations, the Morowali case has become emblematic of a broader national trend, as environmental defenders and local communities face increasing risks amid Indonesia’s extractive boom.

“The people of Torete are not criminals,” Agus Salim said. “They are farmers, fishers, journalists and families defending their land, their environment and their future. Their struggle is about human dignity, democracy and the protection of the Earth.”