RRI Partners and Collaborators in Indonesia have made important progress in confronting violence associated with land disputes, as well as the ongoing criminalization of Indigenous Peoples and local agrarian communities. Millions of Indonesians rely on the forests and peatlands for their survival, yet many are facing criminalization for their livelihood and subsistence activities, and some are being told they must leave their homes or face charges.

RRI Collaborator HAK Foundation worked with local, regional, and national police to conduct human rights trainings. These groundbreaking trainings—carried out with over 40 police investigators in Riau province, Jakarta, and East Kalimantan—have been integral in building bridges between communities and the police. The initial set of workshops has led to ongoing discussions on alternative dispute resolution techniques, and the involvement of high-level police officials.

RRI is also supporting an emergency fund for victims of criminalization in Indonesia, set up under the National Committee for Agrarian Reform. The Fund became operational in May 2016, and is designed to provide grants up to US$5,000 for legal aid, medical or psychological support, shelter or relocation for threatened communities, and financial assistance for families left struggling when their provider is jailed. It focuses on urgent cases that can make an immediate difference in the lives of community members, and is open to Indigenous Peoples, farmers, fisherman, and others who are current victims of criminalization. The application is simple and straightforward, and a decision is made within a mere 48 hours. To date, this rapid response mechanism has provided support for 18 cases, benefiting 18,634 people.