Carstensz Pyramid and the Amungme people

Carstensz Pyramid has been reopened to climbers while mining continues, devastating the sacred mountain of the Amungme people.

Nicola Tondini

September 2005

Traduci in

Silvestro Stucchi, Mago Merlino, Thanghia (Catena dell'Alto Atlante, Marocco), arrampicata

Dutch photographer/climber Menno Boermans has sent us this brief but intense denunciation about Carstensz Pyramid (the 4884m high Oceania-stage on the Seven Summits quest) and the fate of the local Amungme people for whom the mountain and the surrounding regions are sacred. We join forces with Boermans in raising awareness and inviting climbers considering this stage to enjoy the mountain, but to not ignore the pressing reality.

"Carstensz Pyramid has been officially reopened to climbers, after beenÂ closed for about 3 years because the unstable political situation in Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). Now the Indonesian Government is giving permits again,Â climbers from around the world have literally jumped on it.Â But are they all aware of what is happening around the mountain? Â

In the old days the Freeport mine - at the base of Carstensz Pyramid - gave permission to use their road to the mine, but the mine managers soon forbid the entrance to climbers to prevent foreigners from witnessing the mine's highly polluting workis and disgraceful methods.

The Amungme are a highland people living at the base of the Carstensz Pyramid Mountain. In the last twenty years they have seen their sacred mountains destroyed by the American mining company Freeport, and watched as their relatives are killed by the Indonesian army who are 'defending' the mine. The Grasberg mine is the largest copper and goldmine in the world, making more than one million dollars profit per day.

Enjoy climbing, but do NOT close your eyes for the shocking situation around the mountain!"

Menno Boermans