By: Zulkifli Lamujuni (KAoem MUda) and Agetha Lestari*
Destroying small islands doesn’t require an earthquake or tsunami. All it takes is a piece of paper with permit, a barge and heavy-duty equipment to dig the ground and forest, as well as exploiting the natural resources without considering the sustainability of the environment or the welfare of the locals. Such is the reality that colors every part of the country.
A group of Ponelo youths in Ponelo Island, North Gorontalo
Picture by: Zulkifli L, 2025
Not only Raja Ampat in Papua, but many other small islands in Indonesia are also facing the same struggles. Among them is Wawonii Island in Southeast Sulawesi that is gaining attention due to the nickel mining activity there. Under the guise of development and investment, the Wawonii Island is instead trapped in exploitations that defy the principles of ecological justice and the locals’ rights.
This issue signifies a repeating cycle, that many business license holders think these empty islands are empty. However, to the local people, the vast land is not only their home in a literal sense, but also something that holds much deeper meaning.
It’s not too late to make a sound
Based on the data from the Mining Advocate Network (JATAM), with a total of 195 Mining Business Permits (IUP), about 35 small islands in Indonesia are heavily affected by the mining industry (JATAM:2025). One of those islands lies in North Gorontalo Regency. Around there, at least 52 small islands exist, with two of the islands being occupied by people: Pomelo and Dudepo Islands.
Ponelo Island coast situation in North Gorontalo
Picture by: Zulkifli L, 2025
While there hasn’t been any signs of extractive industrial activity in Ponelo and Dudepo Islands yet, protection and advocacy are still necessary for them. The uncertainty of when and how the industry will enter the islands means that preparation is key to protect the sustainability of both Ponelo and Dudepo villagers.
LZ, a member of KAoem MUda Gorontalo, explained, “To this day, there hasn’t been any extractive industry landing on both the islands. However, we have sighted traffic activities on the seas, involving ships owned by a logging company that operate with the Forest Product Processing Business Licensing (PBPHH). This may potentially disrupt the sea ecosystem.”
Furthermore, LZ said, “In addition to those two islands, there’s also Limyudu Island whose sea and land ecosystems are threatened by a logging company that owns the PBPHH permit. Fact is, that company has built a specialized terminal (tersus) less than 200 meters away from the island, which they’ll use to load and unload wood pellets.”
Up until now, it is safe to conclude that the extractive companies generally put aside the socio-ecology dimension of their base operation’s area. They act in a way that seemingly pushes and forces the locals and their surrounding natures to walk towards the path of destruction little by little, without the locals getting a fair choice and proper protection from the nation.
Walking around the extractive pitfall
Amid the expansive extractive industry that can land on the small islands any time now, KAoem MUda stands among the first people who stand in their way, not with armed intervention but with clarity, voice, and courage to say no.
KAoem MUda youths facing the palm tree forest
Picture by: Zulkifli L, 2025
Who is KAoem MUda? They are youths who are ready to stand on the front line selflessly, to protect and vocalize the people’s rights on the ground level.
In order to combat the extractive industry, KAoem MUda needs to unleash their critical thinking and act collectively. They also need to comprehend the narrative, unravel the illusion behind the so-called development, and vocalize the socio-ecological impacts that many people attempt to hide.
This roundabout way is a difficult path to tread, especially in a world that normalizes exploitations and silence as an inevitable response. However, within every roundabout way of opposition, that’s when the youths begin to transform the way things are.
Regarding the situation at Limuyudu Island, another North Gorontalo youth named TA also expressed their concerns. He said, “Who can guarantee the sustainability of Limuyudu Island in the next 30 years? And also, why did the government allow the PBPHH company’s AMDAL Specialized Terminal, even though there’s a small island that they should’ve protected?”
What TA expressed is one of the many forms of resistance to protect the sustainability of Limuyudu Island’s ecosystem, because protecting an island means protecting the future. After all, every big chance starts with a small change that walks a roundabout path and challenge the mainstream for one belief.
*This article is written in collaboration between Kaoem Telapak and Zulkifli Lamujuni, member of KAoem MUda in Ponelo Island, North Gorontalo
