KEI ISLANDS IN SOUTH EASTERN MALUKU
NO TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT TO THE EVAV PEOPLE OF KEI BESAR
The Evav of Kei Island in the Southeastern Moluccas, has enjoyed customary rights to the sea for centuries. In 1993 the Indonesian government has leased out a part which used to be a traditional fishing area to PT Mina Sinega, a company owned by the Indonesian Army. As a result, fish stocks have been depleted and. in their simple boats, the Evav have to sail some 23 kilometers onto the sea to find fish. On land the Evav are denied entry to the forest because it has been designated a consevation area. This means the people have to walk an extra 10 kilometers to find their staple food, sago. Not a single Eva is employed by PT Mina Sinega. PT Mina Sinega has not only denied the Evav their staple food and a income, they also disrupt the Evav community by prohibiting them from entering their forest.
The Evav of Kei Island in the Southeastern Moluccas, has enjoyed customary rights to the sea for centuries. In 1993 the Indonesian government has leased out a part which used to be a traditional fishing area to PT Mina Sinega, a company owned by the Indonesian Army. As a result, fish stocks have been depleted and. in their simple boats, the Evav have to sail some 23 kilometers onto the sea to find fish. On land the Evav are denied entry to the forest because it has been designated a consevation area. This means the people have to walk an extra 10 kilometers to find their staple food, sago. Not a single Eva is employed by PT Mina Sinega. PT Mina Sinega has not only denied the Evav their staple food and a income, they also disrupt the Evav community by prohibiting them from entering their forest.