Masyarakat Adat Pertahankan Wilayahnya dari Konsesi PT. TPL

As a nonprofit journalism organization, we depend on your support to fund reporting across the world’s tropical rainforests. Donate any amount today to become a Pulitzer Center Champion and receive exclusive benefits!

"We are here taking to the streets in an effort to save Lake Toba. One of its destroyers is [PT. Toba Pulp Lestari concessioner]. We are asking for a recommendation from Regent Humbang Hasundutan to immediately revoke the TPL permit," said Jhontoni, the leader of the Movement to Close TPL, during a speech at the Humbang Hasundutan Regent's Office in Doloksanggul on Monday, July 19, 2021.

The long march from the DPRD office to the Humbahas Regent's Office involved Indigenous people (Aek Lung, Pandumaan-Sipituhuta, Pargamanan Bintang Maria, Sijama Polang, Sait Ni Huta), civil society organizations, and students.

This mass action was met directly by the Regional Secretary, Tonny Sihombing. With the strict supervision of the police, he promised to take this aspiration to a higher level and the central government. The protest took place according to health protocols, and protesters wore masks.