In the coastal village of Pasar Seluma, Sumatera, more than 100 women are leading a resistance movement against the iron-sand mining company, PT Faminglevto Bakti Abadi. They are fighting to protect the traditional saltwater mussel harvesting that provides their main source of income and to prevent mining from worsening coastal erosion in their tsunami-vulnerable community. Recalling a previous conflict where male-led protests resulted in arrests, the women have deliberately placed themselves on the frontlines by taking a strategic lead to maintain a more effective protest. Led by activists like Elda Nenti, the women have staged multi-day protest camps at the mining site and directly confronted the company for operating without the necessary environmental licenses. In response, they have faced police summons and harassment, but remain steadfast in their fight to protect their livelihoods and preserve their village for future generations.
