91997E3325

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3325/97 by Maartje van Putten (PSE) to the Commission (20 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. )),

1. is the Commission aware whether the Indonesian Government has already withdrawn the logging concessions granted to PT Inhutani and PT Mohtra Agung for 164 000 ha of tropical rainforest on Yamdena Island in the Moluccan Archipelago?

2. Has the Indonesian Government already introduced a procedure to secure the land rights of the indigenous peoples of Yamdena Island?

3. Is the Commission providing support to grassroots organizations in the Moluccan Archipelago working to promote indigenous development?

4. If so, what form does its support take?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission (14 November 1997)

The Commission has held intensive talks with the Indonesian government as to how to follow up the Parliament's resolution of 20 February 1997 on Yamdena. It has been agreed that a joint identification mission will be sent to Yamdena before the end of the year. The findings of this mission will be discussed in order to identify the most appropriate strategy to support the indigenous people living in Yamdena in order to alleviate poverty and to support integrated, sustainable development in Yamdena. In these discussions, the Parliament's resolution has guided the Commission's position.

The Commission's information about the logging concessions is that the operations of PT Inhutan I and PT Mohtra Agung Persada are continuing. It should be recalled, however, that the concession actually comprises 2 500 hectares of protection forest, 84 375 hectares of limited production forest and 77 125 hectares of production forest.

The Commission is not aware of any recent positive developments on the question of land rights. The Commission is in regular contact with an European non governmental organisation which is assisting a number of local communities including six villages in Yamdena with development and training activities using Community funding. However, this is an issue that will be examined in more detail during the preparation of the mission and the mission itself.