decompose underwater, they release methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas that retains heat from the sun 80
times more effectively than carbon dioxide. This heightened release of methane could worsen climate
challenges. The impacts of the climate crisis will profoundly affect communities in Indonesia and around the
world. It is projected that climate-related issues may cost Indonesia approximately Rp 544 trillion in sectors
such as maritime, agriculture, health, and water supply. Additionally, the climate crisis is likely to lead to an
increase in natural disasters, including floods, tidal waves, landslides, hurricanes, and extreme weather events.
The destruction of wetlands and beaches, crucial for maintaining ecological balance, is a significant concern.
River sediment is essential for the long-term health of wetlands, such as peatlands and coastal swamps, and
provides vital nutrients for agricultural land. However, dams can trap this sediment, resulting in wetland
degradation and disrupting agricultural practices (PP Muhammadiyah, 2022).
The environmental crisis will persist, exacerbated by declining fish populations and damaged ecosystems.
Since 1970, the construction of several dams has led to an approximate 81 percent decrease in animal
populations within rivers. During the dry and hot seasons, reservoirs can elevate river temperatures, further
harming the ecosystem by threatening the survival of trees and animals that rely on cooler waters. Additionally,
higher temperatures can contribute to a decline in water quality. Large amounts of unmanaged household waste
often enter rivers and accumulate in dams, worsening water quality. As a result, clean water resources are
squandered, and people may be forced to rely on the dam's water, even though it is their only option. This
water often contains invasive plant species, such as water hyacinth, which exacerbate evaporation from the
dam. If the climate continues to deteriorate, particularly during droughts, the water levels in the dam could fall
significantly. This reduction not only affects hydroelectric power generation but may also render the dam's
water undrinkable (PP Muhammadiyah, 2022). Ultimately, the Bener dam project will contribute to the broader
social and ecological crisis, with issues of land grabbing and environmental destruction becoming increasingly
apparent (Yanuardi, et al., 2021).
The construction of the Bener dam led to significant conflict and violence, as the local community opposed
both the dam and the mining of andesite in Wadas village. Tensions first escalated on Monday, February 7,
2022, when thousands of police officers entered Wadas village, forming lines and setting up tents in Kaliboto
Field, which caused a power outage. The following day, Tuesday, February 8, 2022, the police entered Wadas
village fully armed and arrested residents who were perceived to be resisting (Suara.com, 2022). Their actions
were described as intimidating, repressive, and confrontational, instilling fear among the residents and
disrupting their sense of security and order (PP Muhammadiyah, 2022). As a result, allegations of human rights
violations by security forces against the people of Wadas village emerged.
Three key aspects of this agrarian conflict have come under scrutiny: human rights violations, environmental
destruction, and land conversion. The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has reported that
these violations were due to the excessive use of force by police, which resulted in the violent arrest of several
residents (resmi@komnas.ham, 2022). From an environmental perspective, the construction of the Bener dam,
located approximately 10 km from Wadas village, is part of a National Strategic Project (PSN), with Wadas
village designated as a mining site for andesite, intended to supply construction materials. The public is not
only concerned about the arrests of numerous residents by authorities but has also criticized the dam project for
its potential environmental impact (Kompas.com., 2022).
Research on the relationship between development and threats to human rights can be found in the existing
literature. Some studies indicate that upholding human rights remains a significant challenge, often creating
new problems instead of resolving existing ones. While Indonesia's substantial economic development has
successfully reduced poverty and improved the overall standard of living, this increase in prosperity has also
compromised personal freedoms (Hasyim, 2008). Moreover, to accelerate economic development, the military
frequently supports the infringement of democratic rights, including the rights to freedom of speech and
participation in government. These infringements are often enforced through repressive measures.
Additionally, development efforts often lack a human rights perspective, which is evident in the absence of
genuine deliberation, superficial legal procedures, and widespread corruption (Rasdi & Alkadri, 2018). A clear
example of human rights violations is the government's decision to force the construction of the Bener dam,
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