TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mama Aleta has been actively protecting natural resources in the Soe Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, from marble mining pollution since 1993. She admitted that she will continue to fight for indigenous people and the environment. For this mother of three, the land where he lives is the main source of food and water for several regions including Kupang, Dili, and Atambua. She believed that marble mining has destroyed the forests, polluted the waters, and removed certain areas used for cultural rituals.
“For these reasons, I will never stop fighting despite the threats we experienced for defying them [the miners],” said Mama Aleta who once spent weeks trying to preserve one of their fatu (rocky hills where rituals take place).
“I was shoved with weapons, intimidated by horsemen, but I believe our God and ancestors are in our hearts,” she said while explaining that those rocks were a part of a cultural ritual for the people of Molo.
Due to her struggles, Mama Aleta is now known as a national and international female defender of human rights and indigenous people who were threatened and abused in her effort to defend human rights. Since she became an activitst on community empowerment, she continues to be intimidated and threatened by thugs. Her family was terrorized and threatened to be killed, including her husband who works as a teacher.
“When he came home from school, he told me to stop. But then I made him understand, and he sincerely supported my struggles,” Mama Aleta conlcuded.
HADRIANI P
