This event will mark the launch of the English version of the documentary Colonial Debris. In this documentary Indonesian filmmakers explore why their country has so many land conflicts. As they film the protests of communities against palm oil companies and real estate developers taking their land, they find that the roots of these conflicts go back to Indonesia’s colonial past.

When in the 19th century the Dutch colonial rulers claimed ownership over most of Indonesia’s land, they weakened the land rights of ordinary Indonesians. This heritage lingers, as in contemporary Indonesia the land ownership of ordinary Indonesians remains restricted. With the police siding with companies, the many demonstrations that communities organize seem to have little effect. Yet after long struggles some communities manage to recover their land, showing the viability of an alternative path to economic development.

Colonial Debris
Watchdoc, 2024. Director: Edy Purwanto. Executive producer: Ward Berenschot. 1u24m (we will screen a 1h version). See the trailer of the documentary via this link.

Panel discussion
After the screening there will be a panel discussion with the director of the documentary, Edy Purwanto, as well as Arie Rompas (Greenpeace Indonesia and land rights activist), Paul Wolvekamp (Both Ends and RSPO), Marieke Leegwater (Solidaridad) and Ward Berenschot (KITLV/UvA and producer Colonial Debris).  Chaired by Raditya Bagas Wicaksono (PPI & PhD student at UvA) and Rachma Lutfiny Putri (PhD student at VU).

Screening dates (3)
1. 24 February, 18.30 h – 20.30 h, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Boelelaan 1085, 3D room, VU Campus Square.
2. 25 February, 15:30 h – 17:30 h, Leiden University, Cleveringplaats 1, Lipsius room 011.
3. 26 February, 15:30 h – 17:30 h, Amsterdam University, Plantage Muidergracht 12, room M1.01.

Register here