News

State Absence in Arauco: 60 Years of Neglect

Sponsors

• Víctor Hugo Luengo, president of the Corporation for Promotion and Productive Development, denounces the lack of sustained state policies in the Arauco territory in "Conversando con la Acoforag."

In the 40th edition of "Conversando con la Acoforag," Víctor Hugo Luengo, president of the Corporation for Promotion and Productive Development of the Arauco Territory, highlighted the prolonged absence of the State in the region, a problem spanning over six decades.

According to Luengo, this lack of attention has contributed to the violence and insecurity affecting the province, particularly in Mapuche communities south of Cañete.

The leader pointed out that, despite witnessing forestry development, known as "green gold," local communities have been mere spectators rather than active participants in this growth. The Corporation he leads, composed of a multidisciplinary team, has tried to communicate to successive governments the uniqueness of the province and the need for differentiated policies addressing its specificities.

The Corporation's president emphasized that the State's response to violence, focused on increasing police and military presence, does not address the fundamental needs of the population. Poverty, lack of housing, and healthcare services are pressing issues requiring solutions beyond security measures.

Luengo also criticized the absence of long-term government programs that outlast four-year administrations. He cited the example of Caleta Quidico, an area plagued by violence and ignored by state policies. A government official's visit to the caleta after two and a half years in office revealed fascination with the area's potential but also the disconnect between local needs and institutional responses.

The interview with Luengo is a call to action for the State to recognize and address the needs of the communities in the Arauco Territory by implementing state policies that ensure the well-being and security of its inhabitants.

The full interview is available on Acoforag's social media and YouTube channel: