Japan, WAIT! The Construction of Batang Coal-fired Power Plant in Indonesia – Voices from local people and the problem with Japan’s response
This event has finished. The following files are available for download.
- “The Batang coal-fired power plant in Indonesia: problems surrounding the power plant and hearing from locals”, presentation by Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth Japan (contract researcher)
– Fact sheet（PDF）
– Petition Submitted to JBIC: Don’t finance Indonesia’s Batang Coal-Fired Power Plant（PDF）
- “Damage caused by coal mining: locals voice concerns” (PDF), presentation by Arie Rompas, WAHLI (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) (director of the Central Kalimantan office)
- “Current status of JBIC’s financial support of coal-fired power plants” (PDF), presentation by Yuki Tanabe, The Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)
Session Details:
Japan uses taxes and credit to support Japanese companies in their overseas investments through the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Currently, JBIC is considering to fund the Batang coal-fired power plant in Central Java, Indonesia which, if put in operation, will be the biggest coal-fired power plant in Asia at 2000 MW with a total cost of approximately 400 billion yen (approximately 4 billion USD). The Japanese companies Itochu and J-Power are set to be part of the planning process. Last year in December, at a summit meeting in Tokyo with the President of Indonesia, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated that he supports the spread of “highly efficient coal-fired power generation projects.” It is clear that this project, and others like it, are being promoted by both the private and public sectors in Japan.
However, locals have voiced concerns about the damaging effects these projects can have on their livelihoods, such as their fertile agricultural and rich fishing areas, and their health. Many protest actions were held by the locals which included one that even took place in front of the Japanese embassy in the capital city of Jakarta in addition to those in the local area. In another incident, several protestors were even injured when they were met with violent attacks by the local police and military who had wanted to suppress opposition to the power plant.
At this seminar, a researcher from a Japanese NGO will report on local concerns and the current situation based on a recent visit to the Batang coal-fired power plant project site. In addition, a guest speaker from Indonesia will present Indonesia’s current coal mining situation. This is a rare opportunity for Japanese to hear first-hand about coal mining in Indonesia.
Let’s brainstorm about what we can do about Japan’s financing of coal-fired power plants. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date and Time: March 18th, 2014, 18:30-20:30
Location: Global Environmental Outreach Centre (GEOC), Seminar Space 1F
(United Nations University, 5-53-70 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925)
Access: http://www.geoc.jp/access#geoc
Speakers:
- Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth Japan (contract researcher)
- Arie Rompas, WAHLI (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) (director of the Central Kalimantan office)
Admission: 500 yen (members of host organizations get in for free)
Registration:
- http://www.foejapan.org/aid/jbic02/batang/140318.html
Note: Forms are entirely in Japanese. If you have difficulty registering, please contact us.
Hosts:
- Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society (JACSES)
- Kiko Network
- Friends of the Earth Japan
Questions can be directed to:
- Hozue Hatae, Friends of the Earth Japan (TEL: +81-3-6907-7217, E-mail: hatae@foejapan.org)
Related Sites:
Schedule:
- Introduction to the “No to JBIC’s Coal Financing!” project
- The Batang coal-fired power plant: the locals’ concerns and the problem with Japan’s response
- Dangers of coal mining: hearing from local Indonesians
- JBIC’s other coal-fired power financing
- Q&A with the audience
Note:
- Another seminar (program will vary) will also be held in Kyoto on March 24th, 2014. Click here for more details (in Japanese) or contact us for more details.
- Seminar will be held in Japanese except for Mr. Rompas’ presentation which will be in Indonesian language with Japanese translation
