Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik, two fishermen from North Sumatra, Indonesia, were convicted of property damage during a protest linked to their environmental activism. They received two-month suspended prison sentences with four months of probation, which ends on January 5, 2024. While free on probation, the fishermen remain committed to protecting mangrove forests in their community. Their case highlights the broader challenges faced by environmental defenders in Indonesia.
Background: Arrest and Charges
Ilham Mahmudi and Taufik were arrested separately in April and May 2024 amidst efforts to protect mangrove forests in Kwala Langkat. These forests, vital for preventing coastal erosion and supporting local fisheries, were under threat from encroachment linked to palm oil operations. The fishermen, along with their community, feared the environmental destruction would devastate their livelihoods and the ecosystem.
The arrests followed a protest on March 21, 2024, during which a makeshift hut in the forest was damaged. A man connected to the encroachment activities reported Ilham and Taufik to the police. Prosecutors charged them with participating in group violence and property damage.
Trial and sentencing
On September 5, 2024, Ilham and Taufik were sentenced to two-month suspended prison terms with four months’ probation. Under these terms, they will avoid imprisonment unless they commit another offense during their probation period. Ilham was released from detention on the day of sentencing, while Taufik had already been freed from pre-trial detention on July 4, 2024. The prosecution did not appeal the decision.
Advocacy and community support
Local NGOs and environmental advocates view the trial as an attempt to criminalize conservation efforts and silence activists defending the mangrove forests. Despite these challenges, Ilham and Taufik have returned to their community and continue their environmental advocacy.
Mimi Surbakti, director of the Srikandi Lestari Foundation, emphasized that the fight to protect the environment is “far from over.” She called for vigilance against further attempts to undermine conservation work. The foundation expressed gratitude to national and international civil society organizations (CSOs) for supporting the fishermen and their community.
Amnesty International remains committed to monitoring the cases of Ilham Mahmudi, Taufik, and other environmental defenders in Indonesia. Their situation underscores the risks faced by activists working to uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
NO FURTHER ACTION IS REQUESTED. MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO SENT APPEALS.
