By Wrongfully arrested and tortured by police for defending their own land… These are just a couple of the unimaginable human tragedies we’ve discovered in the rainforests of North Maluku, Indonesia.
After more than a year of investigation alongside our allies in Indonesia — TuK INDONESIA and WALHI — we’ve released the results, exposing devastating human rights abuses tied to the notorious logging and palm oil company Korindo. We’ve traced Korindo wood from the rainforests of Indonesia all the way to the construction sites of the new Tokyo 2020 Olympic venues, and followed Korindo’s money to major banks, including Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC).
Demand an end to this shameful abuse of power!
You see, until 2017, SMBC was financing part of Korindo’s operations in Indonesia, and it continues to finance Korindo’s major business partners. To top it off, SMBC is a Gold Sponsor to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, meaning they’re helping to finance preparations for the big event.
Tell SMBC to stop sponsoring Korindo’s destructive practices!
Companies like Korindo think that what happens in remote areas of the world can be covered up without consequences. I’m shocked and saddened by this, but more than that, I’m outraged that Korindo and its financiers are trying to get away with egregious human rights violations to make a buck.
It’s time for all of us to stand together and send a clear message that if a company’s model relies on land theft and torture, its days are numbered.
Let’s put SMBC on notice.
In solidarity with the people trying to protect their land and forests, and frontline communities everywhere.
Hana Heineken
Responsible Finance Senior Campaigner
Rainforest Action Network
P.S. You can learn the devastating details from our year-long investigation of Korindo’s dirty business practices and their bankers. Read the full report.