Update
On December 12, 2024, we received notice that Indonesian fishermen and environmental defenders Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik were sentenced to two-month suspended prison terms with four months of probation, allowing them to avoid arbitrary detention.
This outcome followed months of advocacy worldwide, including the Union’s Urgent Action letter sent in August 2024. The case drew international attention to the Langkat Regency Prosecutor’s Office and underscored the risks environmental activists in Indonesia continue to face when defending their rights and communities.
“Knowing that our letter was part of a global call for justice that helped ensure Ilham and Taufik’s release, is a powerful reminder of why it is important we continue this advocacy work,” says Yunisha Bist, Racialized Persons Representative.
For more details on the update from Amnesty International, click here.
Monday, August 19, 2024
In the most recent TRUSU urgent action letter, the Union urged Yuliarni Appy, S.H., M.H., Head of Langkat Regency Prosecutors Office, to ensure a fair trial for Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik, two Indonesian fishermen from North Sumatra, Indonesia.
“We are deeply concerned about the treatment of Ilham and Taufik’s case. Under no circumstances, should anyone experience a violation of any human right, especially when a person is being brought into the custody of a justice system”, says TRUSU Indigenous Student Representative, Cicyetkwu Dunstan.
In January 2024, tensions in Kwala Langkat, North Sumatra, escalated as local villagers protested the encroachment of palm oil operations that were clearing vital mangrove forests. These forests are crucial for flood protection and support the local fishing that is vital to sustaining community health. Those affected took action to defend their environment by dismantling a workers’ hut which led to the arbitrary arrests of many villagers, including Ilham and Taufik. There were several lawful protocols overlooked resulting in human rights violations, such as obtaining a warrant for their arrest and the right to speak to a legal attorney of their choice.
Despite Indonesia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and net-zero emissions by 2060, activists face harassment and criminalization. Local NGOs argue that these arbitrary arrests are designed to suppress the conservation efforts of environmental activists, like Mahmudi and Taufik, who now face up to five and a half years in prison.
“We hope by bringing this issue the attention of Mr. Appy, he will see to it that Ilham and Taufik’s cases are in line with international legal standards, and they can receive the fair trial they deserve”, says Dunstan.
The Union awaits a response from the Head of Langkat Regency Prosecutors Office on this urgent matter.
For more information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.