Anggraeni and Partners’ Engagement at POLLEN 2024: Bridging Ecologies and Legal Insights

This year, Anggraeni and Partners’ Legal Lab is proud to be part of the prestigious POLLEN 2024 Conference, a landmark event in the field of political ecology. Held simultaneously in Lima, Lund, and Dodoma, the conference’s theme, “Towards Plural and Just Futures,” resonated through the multitude of discussions, panels, and creative sessions.

Our very own researcher, Muhammad Soufi Cahya Gemilang, in collaboration with Dr. Johannes Herbeck from the University of Bremen, presented a compelling study titled “(Re)Turning Terrestrial: Climate Protective Infrastructure and Territorialisation in Semarang, Java.” Their research provided valuable insights into the multifunctional infrastructure designed to shield the coastal city of Semarang from the threats of sea level rise, particularly focusing on the Semarang-Demak Highway-Dike. This project exemplifies the intersection of ecological sustainability and legal frameworks within the Indonesian context, spotlighting the potential for infrastructure to act as both a protective measure and a tool for territorial reconfiguration.

Dialogues and Encounters: The Essence of POLLEN24

The POLLEN network, with over 250 nodes globally, traditionally reflects a Western-centric view in its demographics and discussions. However, POLLEN24 made significant strides in diversifying participation and content. This year’s conference emphasized the need for dialogues that transcend academic, geographical, and cultural boundaries, promoting an inclusive exchange of ideas across the Global North and South. It championed collaborative efforts between academics, activists, and artists, aiming to blur and bridge gaps in political ecology.

Abstract

(Re)Turning Terrestrial: Climate Protective Infrastructure and Territorialisation in Semarang, Java

Muhammad Soufi Cahya Gemilang, Legal Lab Anggraeni and Partners, Jakarta; Johannes Herbeck, University of Bremen

In the face of rapid coastal inundation, protective mega-infrastructures are being built to protect the coastlines in Java’s northern littoral cities. In many cases, this infrastructuration of coastlines entails larger hydro-social transformations and distinct futurities of growth-centred economic development. Our study focuses on the case of the Multifunctional Dyke in Semarang, Central Java as a protective mega-infrastructure that
also serves as a form of speculative engineering design against climate change. The multifunctionality of the dyke refers to its capacity to serve as a toll road, also protecting the existing lands, and reclaiming the already submerged lands. It is also supposed to reshape the city’s hydrology by creating water retention capacities and smoothen the runoff of torrential rains. Highlighting the reclamation dynamics, we investigate the political-economic dimension of a speculative climate infrastructure and its impacts and conflicts with existing claims to submerging coastal lands. We argue that the dyke is a mode of hydro-social reconfiguration and territorialization of coastal Semarang that follows the logic of coastal dispossession

Challenging and Pluralizing Knowledge

POLLEN24 was not just a platform for presenting research but also a fertile ground for challenging the traditional paradigms of knowledge. The conference boldly addressed the links between epistemic injustice and various forms of social discrimination, including colonialism, racism, and sexism. By doing so, it reinforced the need for a transdisciplinary approach that embraces diverse theories, identities, and practices. This aligns with our commitment at Anggraeni and Partners to support research and initiatives that contribute to sustainable and equitable practices.

Muhammad Soufi Cahya Gemilang, with his focus on oceanic maritime issues and Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 5 (Gender Equality), brought a unique perspective to the conference. His insights into how legal studies can interact with and bolster political ecology were particularly appreciated, as they highlighted the crucial role legal professionals can play in shaping environmental futures.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the successful engagement at POLLEN24, Anggraeni and Partners remains committed to advancing legal and ecological research that supports sustainable, just, and inclusive futures. We look forward to furthering our participation in global discussions that foster deep, impactful change.