Indonesia is experiencing a rise in the criminalization of environmental defenders, with at least 58 cases of environmental activists facing legal threats between 2014 and 2023 (WALHI, 2023). In Aceh, where Natural Aceh operates, indigenous and coastal communities protecting their environment are increasingly targeted by corporations and authorities. In 2022 alone, 12 community leaders in Aceh faced intimidation and legal action for opposing extractive projects.
This project aims to protect grassroots environmental defenders in Aceh by providing legal aid, advocacy training, and digital security support. We will establish a Rapid Response Team (RRT) to document cases, connect defenders with legal assistance, and launch public awareness campaigns.
Key activities:
- Legal Defense & Advocacy – Provide pro bono legal aid for at least 10 activists facing prosecution and conduct 3 advocacy workshops for community leaders.
- Digital & Physical Security Training – Train 50 environmental defenders in cybersecurity and safe organizing practices.
- Public Awareness & Policy Engagement – Conduct a nationwide campaign to highlight cases of criminalization, targeting at least 100,000 online engagements.
Indonesia is facing an alarming increase in the criminalization of environmental defenders Many face intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and violence, especially those opposing extractive industries such as mining, palm oil, and large-scale coastal developments. In Aceh, environmental defenders—including indigenous and coastal communities—are particularly vulnerableMany lack access to legal representation, leaving them defenseless against corporate-backed lawsuits.
The problem is exacerbated by weak legal protections and a lack of public awareness. Indonesia’s Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law is frequently misused to silence activists, with over 380 defamation cases recorded under this law since 2016 (SAFEnet, 2022). Meanwhile, security forces and private companies use repressive tactics—including surveillance, online harassment, and physical violence—to suppress environmental activism.
This criminalization threatens not only activists but also democracy, environmental justice, and indigenous land rights. If left unchecked, it will discourage civic participation, weaken environmental policies, and accelerate ecological destruction. Protecting environmental defenders is crucial to ensuring sustainable development and upholding human rights in Indonesia.
This project introduces a holistic, community-driven approach to protecting environmental defenders in Indonesia, combining legal aid, security training, digital advocacy, and emergency response in an integrated strategy. Our innovation lies in:
1. A Multi-Layered Protection System
Unlike traditional legal defense initiatives, this project provides comprehensive protection, covering legal, digital, and physical security while also ensuring rapid emergency response. By establishing a Rapid Response Fund, activists facing immediate threats can access urgent relocation, legal bail, or medical aid, a support mechanism rarely available in Indonesia.
2. Digital Security as a Game-Changer
With the increasing use of cyber surveillance and online harassment to silence activists, we integrate cybersecurity training and digital safety toolkits into environmental activism. This will be one of the first programs in Aceh to teach environmental defenders encryption, anonymous communication, and online risk mitigation, making activism safer in the digital era.
3. Storytelling & Public Pressure as Legal Defense
Instead of relying solely on court battles, this project uses digital storytelling and mass media campaigns to mobilize public support and pressure policymakers. By producing documentary-style short videos and targeted media campaigns, we aim to reach 100,000+ online engagements, shifting the narrative and making repression costly for perpetrators.
4. A Localized and Scalable Model
This project is designed for replication. While starting in Aceh, the strategies—legal support networks, security training, and advocacy campaigns—can be expanded to other regions in Indonesia facing similar threats. By building a network of defenders, legal experts, and media allies, this initiative creates a long-term support system beyond a single intervention.
By merging grassroots organizing with cutting-edge digital security and advocacy strategies, this project ensures environmental defenders in Indonesia are not just protected but empowered to continue their critical work.
This campaign will strengthen the protection of environmental defenders in Indonesia, ensuring they can continue their advocacy without fear of criminalization. The expected results include:
1. Increased Legal Protection for Activists
✅ At least 10 environmental defenders in Aceh will receive pro bono legal aid, helping them fight wrongful prosecutions.
✅ 50 community leaders will gain legal knowledge through 3 advocacy workshops, enabling them to defend their rights and support others.
2. Improved Security & Digital Resilience
✅ 50 environmental defenders will be trained in cybersecurity and physical security, reducing risks of surveillance, hacking, and intimidation.
✅ 30 security toolkits (including VPNs, encrypted communication tools, and safety guides) will be distributed to high-risk activists.
3. Public Awareness & Policy Influence
✅ A digital campaign will reach 100,000+ people, raising awareness about criminalization and mobilizing public support.
✅ 5 documentary-style short videos will be produced to humanize defenders’ struggles and increase international attention.
✅ Policy briefs and op-eds will be published to advocate for stronger protections and legal reforms.
4. Emergency Support for At-Risk Activists
✅ A Rapid Response Fund will provide emergency relocation, legal bail, or medical aid for at least 5 activists facing urgent threats.
✅ A hotline service will be established for real-time crisis support.
By achieving these results, this campaign will enhance legal, digital, and physical protections, ensuring Indonesia’s environmental defenders can continue their vital work safely.