Harvesting of newly created paddy field in Merauke, South Papua in 2012/2013
Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE) is a government-supported project in Merauke Regency, West 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]
Description
The MIFEE project is expected to cover a 1.2million 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 $5billion, 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]
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