Read the Final Statement published 13 February 2024: English | Japanese
On 29 July 2015, residents of Batang (Central Java, Indonesia), submitted a specific instance to the Japanese NCP alleging that Itochu Corporation, a Japanese company engaged in trading products and materials, and Electric Power Development Co., Ltd, a Japanese electric utility company, had not observed the Concepts and Principles (Chapter I), General Policies (Chapter II), Human Rights (Chapter IV) and Environment (Chapter VI) provisions of the Guidelines. Specifically, issues related to the development of Central Java Coal Fired Power Plant, which is operated by Bhimasena Power Indonesia (BPI), a joint venture company established by a consortium of three companies, including the two listed above. The submitters alleged that the enterprises were directly responsible for current and potential adverse impacts on their livelihood, human rights, and environment pollution.
On 28 June 2016, the Japanese NCP completed its initial assessment deciding to partially accept the specific instance for further examination, excluding issues falling under foreign jurisdiction or that related to the activities of the Indonesian government. The NCP offered its good offices to the parties involved. The enterprises requested more time to make a decision on their participation in the mediation process. In September 2023, the NCP issued a statement of intention to close the proceedings as the company had not been willing to engage. Both parties updated the NCP on their positions, and the enterprises noted the ongoing parallel proceedings preventing their engagement.
On 13 February 2024, the NCP published a final statement concluding the process without agreement between the parties. The NCP acknowledged and welcomed the fact that the enterprises involved, through BPI, had continued to engage with the local community in Batang in good faith. The NCP recommended that the enterprises Involved continue to ensure the observance of the Guidelines and to engage with the submitters and other members of the community, including through BPI’s initiatives. With the statement, the NCP considers the process closed and has not made plans to conduct a follow up.