In the spirit of resistance to neoliberal policies and in keeping with the history of people's struggles worldwide against economic domination, Asian movements together with an international group of networks, movements, campaigns and NGOs will be convening an International Peoples Forum vs the IMF and the World Bank on September 15 to 17 in Batam, Indonesia.
Latest
The Indonesian Police have approved the Batam International Peoples Forum [IPF] from Sept 15-17.
on 9 Sept 2006
|
REGISTRATION REGISTRATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PEOPLES FORUM VENUE: ACCOMODATION CALENDER OF EVENTS World Bank and civil society: FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
This September 2006, the IMF and the World Bank will be holding their Annual Meeting in Singapore on September 19-20. In the spirit of resistance to neoliberal policies and in keeping with the history of people's struggles worldwide against economic domination, Asian movements together with an international group of networks, movements, campaigns and NGOs will be convening an International Peoples Forum vs the IMF and the World Bank on September 15 to 17. The Forum will be a convergence of activities and actions that articulate critiques, express protest and assert alternatives to the role, policies and operations of these institutions.
Calendar of Events
September 15: Indonesia Open Forum
September 16-17: International Open Forum
Morning Plenaries
There will be Plenary Sessions in the mornings (maximum of 2 taking place simultaneously) on various themes related to the role, policies and/or operations of the IMF and WB (ex. Illegitimate Debt and the IMF and WB). The Convenors of the Forum are organizing and coordinating these plenary sessions, which will involve presentations from international speakers and open discussions.
The time slots for the plenaries are:
8:45 to 10:45
11:00 to 1:00
Afternoon Seminars, Workshops, Meetings
Organizations and movements are invited to hold seminars, workshops or strategy meetings in the afternoons. The IPF will provide venues and sound system that can accommodate 30 to 150 participants, interpretation services for at least 1 Asian language (Bahasa Indonesia), and help in information dissemination and publicity. Organizers are also working to expand interpretation services to include Thai and Korean.
The time slots for these activities are:
2:00 to 4:15
4:30 to 6:45
The afternoon of the first day (15th) will be devoted to seminars, workshops and meetings on Indonesian issues and concerns.
Organizers will try to keep a maximum of 4 simultaneous workshops/seminars/meetings at any given time.
Evening Cultural and Multi Media Events
The IPF will organize a cultural event on the first evening (15 Sept). Participating organizations may also register and organize other cultural activities, such as concerts, dances, theatre, film showing etc).
The time slots for these activities are:
6:45 to 8:15
8:30 to 10:00
Protest Activities
There will be an IPF march/rally on the 18th morning. Participating organizations may organize other protest actions at the main site
of the IPF as well as in Singapore.
The Singapore Police announced that only indoor civil society activities is allowed.
Special Events
Whole day special events can also be integrated into the program, (i.e Asian People's Tribunal on Poverty and Debt). We also invite organization to set up exhibits at the Forum site.
Booths and literature tables Organizations may also set up literature tables and booths.
Activities can also be held in Singapore, in coordination with and with the assistance of convenors and partner groups based in Singapore.
REGISTRATION
Please register with the International Forum organizers if you are planning on attending the events in Batam.
International Peoples Forum Invitation and Registration Form Please complete the registration form and return to IPFregister@gmail.com
Location
The Asrama Hajji Center(IPF venue)
JL Engku Putri Batam Centre
is located within walking distance to shops and to the pier (for the ferry rides to and from Singapore)
The main site of the IPF is close Batam Center, Indonesia, which is about 60 minutes ferry ride from Singapore Habourfront.
GETTING THERE Four different ferry companies have hourly departures from Singapore's Harbourfront (formerly WTC -World Trade Centre) to Sekupang (Skp) and Batam Centre (BC) in Batam. The best boats are operated by Berlian and Penguin. Batam is one hour behind Singapore. The ferry trip to Sekupang takes 45 min; to Batam Center, about 60 min.
Round trip ferry ride to Singapore is around US$ 16, not including cost of Indonesian visa on arrival for those who require it. From Singapore international airport (Changi), you can take a bus or taxi to the Habourfront.
The IPF site in Batam Center is located within walking distance to shops and to the pier (for the ferry rides to and from Singapore).
Air Travel and Accomodations
IPF participants are expected to cover the cost of their travel, accommodations and food.
The different options for ticketing and routes to Batam are:
Flying to Singapore, then ferry ride to Batam Flying to Batam via Jakarta The Singapore route is generally much cheaper, but will require entering Singapore at least twice (arrival, departure).
The Jakarta route will not require entering Singapore, so Singapore visa is not needed. Unless you want to attend an event/activity in Singapore, in which case you will need a multiple entry visa to Indonesia, or get another visa-on-arrival to Indonesia (if you are eligible) which is possible to do when you return to Batam.
Participants are encouraged to stay in Batam as the costs of accommodations are much lower. There are accommodations available at the main site of the IPF -- air-conditioned as well as non-air conditioned rooms, ranging from 2 – 8 beds per room with ensuite bathrooms. Prices are from US $ 3 – $ 8 per person, not including meals. There are also reasonably priced hotels near the site (from US$40 to 60 for double rooms).
IPF organizers can arrange for the accommodations at the IPF site on request at a first come first served basis. Those who prefer to stay at hotels will have to arrange their own bookings. IPF organizers will provide a list of recommended hotels with price listings and contact numbers.
There will be food shops/booths at the IPF main site. Organizers will ensure that meal costs will be very affordable, and that vegetarian and halal meals are available. Participants should have a budget of about US$ 12 - 15 a day for food.
Visas
Some visitors will need visas to enter Batam, Indonesia. Find out more:
http:www.indonesianembassy.org.uk/consular_visa_type_arrival.htm
Some participants will also need visas to enter Singapore (location of the World Bank meetings). Find out more on the World Bank website: http://www.singapore2006.org/sections/travellers/visa.html
Contacts
Chris Wangkay/INFID:chris@infid.org
Lidy Nacpil/Jubilee South::lidyjs@jubileesouth.org
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
International Peoples Forum
Chona Ramos Tel: +63-906-4409215)
Chris Wangkay Tel: +62-8179018514
Email: IPFsecretariat@gmail.com
IPF website: www.ipf.homeip.net
World Bank website
on-line registration system
The on-line registration system opened on June 2 and will close on August 20.
Sources and Relevant Links:
BIC-USA Batam: International People's Forum vs the World Bank/IMF
BIC-USA Batam: International Peoples Forum - Registration Form
Accreditation for World Bank Events On-line accreditation
World Bank website
on-line registration system
The on-line registration system opened on June 2 and will close on August 4.
World Bank 2006 Annual Meetings: Civil Society
World bank The World Bank and Civil Society
IMF Schedule of Events: Civil Society Forum
Singapore 2006 IMF-WB Annual Meeting
Focus on Global South 11 Released as Hong Kong Civil Society and Global Movements Pressure HK Government 11 January 2006
Focus on Global South Civil Society Groups Celebrate Collapse of Doha Round: The Best Outcome for World's Poor25 July 2006
