Aleta Baun

Indonesian environmental activist who led a historic stone-weaving resistance against destructive mining

Known as Mama Aleta, this West Timorese woman organized 150+ villages to block marble mining through non-violent protests from 1995-2010. Her unique "stone weaving" resistance – where women sat knitting traditional textiles on sacred stones – became a powerful symbol of environmental protection.

Born in 1966 to indigenous Mollo people, Baun witnessed corporations destroying Mutis Mountain ecosystems. She mobilized communities through cultural preservation and economic empowerment programs, establishing sustainable farming collectives. Despite assassination attempts, her movement successfully forced 3 mining companies to withdraw.

Her 2013 Goldman Environmental Prize recognition amplified indigenous land rights globally. Today she mentors NGO leaders through Pikul Foundation, proving grassroots activism can defeat corporate giants.