91997E3324

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3324/97 by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Council (21 October 1997)

Subject: Implementation of the European Parliament's resolution on the violation of the rights of the indigenous peoples and the logging of tropical forests on Yamdena Island in Indonesia

Further to Parliament's resolutions B4-0065/97 and 0130/97 ((OJ C 85, 17.3.1997, p. 147. )), does the Council know whether the Indonesian Government taken serious action to engage in a dialogue with the indigenous peoples of Yamdena Island with a view to finding a socially acceptable solution for the sustainable development of Yamdena and the Moluccan Archipelago?

How does the Council intend to convey the European Parliament's concern about the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Moluccan Archipelago and the logging of tropical forests on Yamdena Island in its contacts with the Indonesian Government?

Answer (26 February 1998)

The Council is not aware of any specific action by the Indonesian Government which aims to address the issue raised in the question.

In contacts between Member States and other countries in Asia, including Indonesia, the question of the rights of indigenous people is normally tackled within the context of the ongoing discussion on human rights. It is customary that the European Union's concern for minorities is raised.

Sustainable development for regions such as those referred to in the question has for some length of time been another major issue in discussions between the Union and developing countries. Indonesia is no exception to this principle.