My Brief Accounting of Asia-Pacific Knowledge Hub Training Course

event 2014-07-27   local_offer Testimony , Training   edit Tomast T. Faminial

The two-week training in Improving the Governance of Extractive Industries brought me to a wider dimensional view of extractive industries. It exposed me a deeper realities and understanding that conflict is inevitable and certain in every aspect of extractive industry.  

The Tuban Trip

Tuban is about a 7-hour trip from Yogyagarta by train and bus. It houses a joint project (oil extraction and processing) of Pertamina-PetroChina in Soko Village. The project has been operating for over a decade in the area adjacent to a public elementary school. During the consultation by the group (trainees) with the village officials, problems were raised and brought up by these villagers. Crucial of these problems is the pollution (noise and air) that the project besets the community. Add to these problems the negative impact of this industry to their agriculture, not to mention other social concerns. 

“Any benefits that the project gives the community?” – Ironically, the villagers claimed they were given with “cooking oil and rice” and the Company is presently mobilizing the transfer of the public school to another area.  Upon hearing this, I almost bump my head in the conference table. 

In the essay I wrote justifying my attendance to the training, I have mentioned that – “It will always be a reality that the poor are the most vulnerable victims of whatever situations that may besiege them.  They will grab any opportunity that will help refill their empty stomachs no matter how dangerous these opportunities are to them.” I could not and cannot blame the poor villagers for taking the “cooking oil and rice” as benefits (from a multi-million revenue generating EI company) as these people are not well-informed of what they should get from the company. (And in the first place, rice is a basic staple food that can easily refill an empty stomach). I could not and cannot blame them for feeling the joy and excitement that the public school will be moved to another place to protect the children.  Shouldn’t the Company have moved the school before or even during the establishment of the project? Why did it take them more than a decade to decide the transfer of the school to a safer place?

When the group asked the villagers how much revenue share they get from the project, the question remained unanswered, not even by the district officials whom our group met after the meeting with the villagers. 

The experience in this trip boosted my conviction to become more active in the CSO I belong and campaign for total transparency in the extractive industry.  People directly affected by the operation of an EI company should directly reap the benefit from the revenue of that company.

The Training Proper

As my pre-training essay goes – “One major achievement I consider after this training is self-empowerment, having knowledge about extractive industry and the foundation on issues particularly in mining vis-a-vis the environment and people’s welfare.” Indeed, that “major achievement” was realized. 

More than the knowledge I acquired and the experience I gained is the build-up of confidence I developed from this training.  All the resource persons are undeniably an expert of their respective area.  Every session is an occasion to exercise critical thinking.  Every participant is given the chance to share his ideas and experience in every session.  I was given the chance to lead a group in an output presentation and an opportunity to share my expertise as an accountant (thanks to Patrick Heller). 

The training made me conclude that a strong financial background is the best weapon of a CS activist in fighting for the revenue share of the community affected by an EI company.

The Lighter Side

The hospitality and the care of the training committee made me feel Yogyakarta a home away from home.  We were attended right from our arrival up to the last minute of our stay in the city.

We were exposed to the rich culture of Indonesia.  We designed and made our own batik hankie in a local Batik Factory. We have scaled the historic Borobudur Temple, a cultural heritage. We have pictures taken with Prambanan Temple in the background. We experienced the “love affair” of Ramayana in a cultural show. We bargained to the last rupiah as we shop in the Malioboro malls. We have dined with great food and played the traditional musical instrument in a local restaurant. And we were treated with the best pizza in town by Ms. Dian. 

Worthy to mention is the exchanged of ideas, business cards, e-mail ads and facebook accounts with our fellow participants and the resource people. 

And of course, the fun and laughter we shared during our last night with Bona (Cambodia), Toto (Philippines), Tricia (Malaysia), Nelson (Timor Leste), Ahad (Afghanistan), Hosana, Ola and Alex (Myanmar). Unity in diversity as we share common aspiration.

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Tomast T. Faminial, CPA - TRAVESIA, Inc./Romblon State University