Critical Minerals: The Need for Market Standards Article As global demand for critical minerals grow, so too do standards and regulations to ensure the industry is more sustainable and transparent about its environmental impact on local areas and residents. The case of nickel mining in Indonesia highlights the serious damage and inconsistencies of applied policy, and how we must keep open dialogue, respect for rights and demand action. By Bernadinus Steni
Transformation by design, not by disaster Report Four areas of application show: Our current consumption of raw materials is globally and socially unjust and ecologically unsustainable. We need a raw material transition towards truly circular and sustainable producttion and consumption patterns. pdf
The Mekong Region: ‘China’s Dams Can Be Operated In A More Sensible Manner’ Interview This is the conversation between Reporting ASEAN’s editor and founder, Johanna Son, and Stimson Centre’s Brian Eyler, edited for length and clarity. By Johanna Son
Forget Kendeng Not Article Indonesia’s diversity is a blessing and a curse. While foreign investors, particularly cement and mining companies, have brought in significant investment to the country, it has often come at the expense of the environment. Since 1998, Pati Regency in Central Java has been experiencing flooding, which has caused damages to properties, and livelihood. However, instead of addressing the root cause of the problem, the region opened up to cement mining, thereby, increasing the threats of disasters. By Dewi Candraningrum
Water Scarcity: The Cave’s Freshwater for Life Article Not many people realize that human life has been sustained by only 0.5% of freshwater on Earth. A very small part of this freshwater is hidden – unseen water that is stored deep under the earth in limestone, or karst aquifers. These water sources are now at serious risk due to mining activities, and local communities are trying to find creative ways to access and maintain their freshwater supply. By A.B. Rodhial Falah
In Quest for Change in Timor’s Politics Analysis Current politics in Timor centers on personalities, history, and using ‘oil money’ as the solution to problems – it cannot cope with the rapidly changing the world and its domestic development challenges. Changing its way of doing politics and the way society is being governed is imperative to address structural issues in Timor’s development and maintain the relevancy and legitimacy of democratic institutions. By Guteriano Neves
Urban Groundwater as Commons Article This article explores the challenges and sustainability dilemma of groundwater as the ‘ungoverned’ urban commons with examples from Indonesia. By Anindrya Nastiti
Mekong Community Resilience in the Face of Dam Development, Environmental Degradation and Climate Change Article Hydropower dams on the Mekong mainstream have resulted in many negative impacts on riverine communities who depend on the river’s transboundary ecological web for their livelihoods. Ongoing plans for development continue to impact people’s lives – can it be halted before it reaches a tipping point? By Tipakson Manpati
Indigenous Communal Land Titling: Still a Hundred Years to Go? Article Cambodia’s laws for preserving indigenous land were enacted over 20 years ago but are increasingly difficult to navigate and achieve official legal recognition for its indigenous peoples. But the more time passes, the more the land has become encroached upon, and the effects of this loss will be compounded. By Chhuonvuoch Koem
Raising Public Awareness in the Kendeng Movement via Speleology Article The mineral industry sector is the cause of conflict in various karst regions in Indonesia as companies are keen to exploit natural resources to make cement. But the science of exploring caves – speleology – can help local communities understand the potential of their unique landscapes, contribute to furthering local solidarity, and empower them to make clearer decisions about mining in their areas. By A.B. Rodhial Falah
