COMMUNITY CONSULTATION FORUMS IN INDONESIA

In 2007, Marathon Indonesia Petroleum (MIPIL) used a participatory approach to engage with, and build relationships with, local communities on the island of Sulawesi.

Engagement with communities commenced several months before Marathon started its offshore seismic work in the Pasangkayu production sharing contract. The Company was concerned that fisherman and others' livelihoods would be affected. A compensation plan was developed with participation from the local communities to minimize the impact of the seismic work.

A CSR program plan was also developed for investment in sustainable community programs using a rights-based approach that considered non-discrimination and attention to vulnerable groups such as women and children. The plan made use of Community Consultation Forums (CCFs), to strengthen community participation and accountability.

Small scale collaborative projects were then developed through the CCFs that focused on the well being and improvement of the community. CCFs provided a mechanism where the village communities felt a sense of belonging and ownership in the projects which they chose themselves based on their identified needs and challenges.

Working through CCFs, Marathon improved public access to clean water and promoted good hygiene practices by introducing rain water collection and gravity supply systems; provided access to books to stimulate an interest in reading for adults, youth and children; improved the well being of traditional fishing communities through the development of fish floss home industries; and developed energy alternatives such as a solar ice house and a biogas reactor to produce cooking gas. This was requested by the communities so that they could generate income and improve their living conditions. About 3,000 people are actively engaged in these programs.