Some 84 countries participate in global land forum

Global Land Forum was held at Gedung Merdeka, Bandung, West Java, on Monday.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- As many as 84 International Land Coalition (ILC) member countries are participating in the Global Land Forum (GLF) held at Gedung Merdeka in Bandung, capital city of West Java Province, on Monday. GLF is a meeting forum that addresses agrarian issues, especially regarding inequality of land ownership and control at the local and global levels.

ILC Secretariat Director Mike Talyor noted that Indonesia was selected as the host of the forum due to its determination to pursue agrarian reform, which is currently being echoed by the government.

"Not only has the Indonesian government but Colombia and the Philippines have also conducted agrarian reform," Talyor remarked.

According to Talyor, cases related to land ownership and grabbing had long occurred not only in Indonesia but also across the world. People should deal with various threats in defending their lands.

He added that several farmers had lost control over the management of their own lands, resulting in poverty and hunger. It becomes a major agenda that should be handled properly.

"Indigenous people and local communities protect half of the world's lands, but only 10 percent of them are recognized. In several countries, they defend land rights by risking their lives," he pointed out.

Through this forum, Talyor expressed hope that the ILC member countries would exchange ideas on agrarian reform in their respective regions. In addition, the agrarian reform agenda is expected to be realized for boosting the people's welfare.

"Our members have explained clearly about agrarian reform, including how to resolve conflicts. Here, we are not only being heedful of the government but also of people from all over the world," he added.

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