ADB responds to indigenous and NGO concerns about trans-Borneo road project

These revelations sparked fears that the project, if it were to go ahead, would result in the expropriation of indigenous peoples’ lands, palm oil expansion and deforestation on indigenous lands. ​These fears were amplified by a review of ADB project documentation which found that ADB’s own safeguard policy on Indigenous Peoples had not been properly applied. 

On 11 August 2022, a detailed letter was addressed to some members of ADB’s Board of Directors which encouraged the Board to address these concerns prior to the 20-30 September scheduled assessment.

ADB’s Indonesia Resident Mission responded on 29 August 2022 and noted the following:

• The safeguard categorization for Indigenous Peoples is not yet final;
• The decision on whether or not ADB should proceed with supporting the project has not yet been determined;
• Maps produced by CSOs which highlight concerns relating to palm oil expansion and threats to Kayan Mentarang National Park will be integrated in any future safeguard assessment;
• Project-affected indigenous peoples and CSOs are invited to participate in public consultations on the proposed project and any concerns raised will be reflected in ADB’s safeguard plans;
• An indigenous peoples' expert will be in ADB’s core team carrying out the assessment; and
• The fact-finding has been delayed (originally scheduled for 20-30 September 2022).

The letter has been welcomed by CSOs who have requested the project be delayed to allow the project preparation to be carried out in conformity with ADB safeguard policies. CSOs, supported by ADB-NGO Forum, have requested consultations take place prior to any fact-finding to ensure that concerns are properly addressed at the time of assessment of the project.