[APFF Echoes] Priska Lela Marlina – Reflections On Participation In The APFF

_{By: Priska Lela Marlina, Palangkaraya Ecological and Human Rights Studies (PROGRESS). Indonesia}

(Priska, wearing orange)

The 4th APFF Forum was my first big forum. For 2 years, I have been active as an activist for the environment, indigenous peoples and women laborers, I had an extraordinary experience. Where each woman shared experiences and stories that brought me to a feeling of emotion and a sense of struggle. 

In this meeting I met young feminists who are also indigenous women who are part of the women’s struggle to this day. Previously, I felt that the struggles faced in Indonesia were very tiring, even for me who had been involved in the activist world since college. Then in every forum at APFF I was really strengthened in this struggle. There is so much knowledge that I received, how militarization still has a strong influence in society and what we must do to strengthen the struggle. 

At the Indigenous Woman session, the workshop participants and I burst into tears. As a young Dayak indigenous woman, it was really painful to see our forests being taken over by palm oil plantations. Stories from friends in Nepal, India, etc. make me hopeful for change in all aspects that affect women. 

(Priska, black shirt)

(Priska, white shirt)

In APFF, it also highlighted the different notions of Feminists that people have come to know. Feminists do not only talk about themselves or their own bodies. But in a broader and deeper context, feminists talk about economic, political and social injustice. Relating to the current situation in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia where forests and natural resources have been taken over by the private sector and the state so that communities can no longer manage forests and land. The role of women to sustain their lives is still happening and more difficult. At APFF, we from PROGRESS brought products of village women’s businesses that utilize forest products, such as shredded fish, fish crackers, woven rattan. We sell these products along with campaigns about what is happening in the community. 

(From left to right: Rattan bag, Dayak bead necklace and earrings, fish floss, fish crackers)

In addition, I also had the opportunity to attend a donor forum to inform us of the organization’s funding sources. I am very happy that this forum was organized, I gained new relationships and networks that support us to never stop fighting. I look forward to other activities for such a great forum.