Torobulu Residents Displaced by Nickel Mining Ambitions in South Sulawesi

In Torobulu Village, Konawe Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia, residents are facing displacement as PT Wijaya Inti Nusantara (WIN) expands its nickel ore mining operations. Made, a local resident, expresses grave concern over the mining expansion, which has brought the operation to within a few meters of his home. He claims that cracks have appeared on nearly all parts of his house's walls, suspected to be caused by ground vibrations from the constant movement of dump trucks and heavy equipment, raising fears of potential landslides. Instead of receiving accountability, Made and his family are facing eviction. On the evening of June 2nd, upon returning from his fish pond, Made found his house sealed with a notice reading: "Rumah Disegel Yayasan CAI" (House Sealed by CAI Foundation) plastered on the wall. CAI, or Crisis Aid Indonesia, is a social and humanitarian organization that assisted in building Made's house through a home renovation program. The following day, Suardi, the former Secretary of Torobulu Village, advised Made to meet with representatives of the foundation. "If you want to continue living here, deal with those who sealed it. Otherwise, the house will be demolished," Made quoted Suardi as saying. Made is struggling to find the foundation, whose office is reportedly located in Kendari City, dozens of kilometers away. He lamented the sealing of his home in his absence: "This is clearly a violation. How can they seal a house without informing me while I'm still living in it?" On the afternoon of the same day, plainclothes police officers approached Made, urging him to agree to relocation. "Choose your own land wherever you want. Then (they) will..." the officers reportedly said, implying assistance with relocation if he found a suitable site himself. This situation highlights the disruption mining development is causing to the livelihoods of local communities. Information Source: Mongabay Indonesia