Since joining Indonesia officially in 1969, Papua had only seven oil palm companies until 2005. In 2014, the number jumped to 21 companies, with another 20 companies gearing up to start their operations. In the midst of fierce conflicts between the oil palm industry and affected indigenous peoples, the central government launched a one million hectares rice fields program known as the Merauke Integrated Food and Energy Estate (MIFEE). The idea is to turn Papua in a centre for export oriented food and energy production. What will happen to the traditional communities in Papua whose lives depend on the forests? “The Mauzes” is a documentary showing the struggles of local communities to defend their territories and traditions and the tactics and harassment used by the companies and security forces. The video is part of Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru series which is now available with English subtitles.
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