Central Java: Muslims and Catholics in "long march" to save environment
Semarang (AsiaNews) - To claim the right of the people to protect their ecosystem and protest against the construction of cement factories that destroy the environment a peaceful "long march" was held by at least 200 people in Central Java.
The event started from the town of Pati and came to the provincial capital Semarang (about 80 km), to protect the area of the mountains Kendeng, ranging from east to west of the island.
The march began on November 15 and ended on the 17th, the day when the State Court Administration of Semarang (PTUN) had to issue the verdict on plans for a cement factory. The ruling denied permission and blocked the work, raising a cheer from the marchers.
Women and men, ordinary people and local farmers left their homes in Pati, Kudus, Rembagn and Blora to start walking for three days under the sun.
P. YB Haryono MSF, priest and director of a cultural center, said the march was organized by the People's Network for the Preservation of Kegend Mountains (Jm-Ppk) and was supported by Muslim religious leaders, Catholic priests and artists.
"This success - said Fr. Budi Purnomo, President of the interreligious Commission Archdiocese of Semarang, who participated in the march - would not have been possible without the commitment of local leaders such as Mas Gunretno, Mbak Gunarti, Mbah Sariman and women who defend the right to the preservation of 'environment, who finally won the case".
On arriving in Semarang, protesters received the support of the local people, and dozens of university students joined the parade.
Protests of this kind have been taking place in Central Java since 2006, when the construction of the cement industry was permitted by the government after environmental studies. The population expressed its disappointment, accusing the authorities of corruption and lawlessness in procurement.
Every year, on the occasion of the Independence Day (17 August) a series of cultural initiatives are organized to attract the popular commitment to the cause. People participating in these initiatives are often subject to intimidation.
After participating in 27 sessions of the Court of Semarang since May 15, 2014, says Fr. YB Haryono MSF, says "we hoped very much that this time the people's legal battle ended with justice. Under the spirit of non-violence and in full compliance with the law Jm-PKK organized the protest for the preservation of the Kendeng mountains, to avoid them being exploited for economic reasons. "
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