MIFEE - Wikiwand

Indonesian agricultural project in Papua

Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) is a government-supported project in Merauke Regency, South Papua, Indonesia to develop forested land for food cultivation and energy production.^[1]

It has been characterized as an "ecologically induced genocide" of the indigenous Malind Anim people, based on the concept of a "cultural genocide" focused more on the destruction of a culture than the loss of life, and the fact that core parts of Malind Anim culture are specific to the land on which they live, making them a "territorially bounded culture". Each of the 7 clans of Malind Anim traditionally owns certain land in Merauke: the Malind Anim, their land, and its animals have been described as "inextricably connected and indivisible".^[1]

The MIFEE project is expected to cover a 1.2 million hectare area, or a quarter of Merauke.^[2] In 2010, up to 90% of the area was still covered by natural forest.^[3] Valued at approximately $5 billion, the program aims to increase agricultural output.^[4] The project limits foreign investment in plantations to 49%.^[2] No amount of crops is reserved for local use.^[2] MIFEE involves intensive land clearing.^[5]

Indonesian agribusiness conglomerates invested in the project.^[6]

Opposition

MIFEE led to a competition between the government and the Malind Anim over the land.^[1] Violence ensued.^[7] One report claimed that MIFEE involved a land grab.^[6]

Indigenous opposition to the project was substantial.^[6] Army units were dispatched to the MIFEE area.^[6] The number of migrants involved in the project will dwarf Merauke's indigenous population.^[8]

Opponents claimed that the project threatens conservation areas, such as virgin forests and water catchment areas, as well as the habitat of indigenous Papuans.^[9] There were substantial forest fires.^[2] Damage to the natural environment caused by the industrial activities of agribusinesses and palm oil plantations has severely affected the health and food security of these indigenous groups.^[4]

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination called for a suspension of the project, absent free, informed consent by the indigenous population.^[10]

References

1 2 3 McDonnell, John E. (3 April 2021). "The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE): An Ecologically Induced Genocide of the Malind Anim". Journal of Genocide Research. 23 (2): 257–278. doi:10.1080/14623528.2020.1799593. ISSN 1462-3528.
1 2 3 4 Jong, Hans Nicholas (30 October 2015). "Food estate project may turn Papua into forest fire hotbed - The Jakarta Post". akartapost.com. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
↑ Longgena Ginting, Oliver Pye (19 April 2011). "Resisting Agribusiness Development: The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate in West Papua, Indonesia" (PDF). Land Deal Politics Initiative. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
1 2 "Destroying Local Livelihoods With Mifee | Jakarta Globe". jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com. Retrieved 30 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
↑ Rosin, C.; Stock, P.; Campbell, H. (2013). Food Systems Failure: The Global Food Crisis and the Future of Agriculture. Taylor & Francis. p. 154. ISBN 9781136529429. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
1 2 3 4 Longgena Ginting, Oliver Pye (19 April 2011). "Resisting Agribusiness Development: The Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate in West Papua, Indonesia" (PDF). Land Deal Politics Initiative. Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 August 2016. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
↑ Reder, M.; Hirschbrunn, K.; Risse, V.; Stoll, G. (2015). Global Common Good: Intercultural Perspectives on a Just and Ecological Transformation. Campus Verlag. p. 171. ISBN 9783593503189. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
↑ Jiwan, Norman (30 April 2011). "MIFEE must benefit indigenous Papuans, everyone". thejakartapost.com. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
↑ Yulisman, Linda (16 April 2015). "Govt to revive food estate project in Papua - The Jakarta Post". thejakartapost.com. The Jakarta Post. Retrieved 30 May 2016.
↑ Stanley, E.; McCulloch, J. (2012). State Crime and Resistance. Taylor & Francis. p. 95. ISBN 9781136233630. Retrieved 30 May 2016.

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