InfoSAWIT, KOTAWARINGIN TIMUR – Ombudsman Indonesian Republic did field inspection to some palm oil plantations in the Regency of Kotawaringin Timur (Kotim). It was part of systemic study to prevent mal – administration in palm oil industrial governance. The inspection itself that involved some representatives from related ministries, institutions, and stakeholders was about to get direct assessment and regulation implementation in the field.
The member of Ombudsman RI, Yeka Hendra Fatika said the institution found mal-administration indication in palm oil industrial governance, including the overlapping regulation. “We have to be together with other related stakeholders. We would know how the regulation implementations in the field,” he said, as in the official information to InfoSAWIT, Friday (23/8/2024).
The first location that the institution visited was palm oil plantations of PT Kantingan Indah Utama (KIU) in the Village of Kabuau, Sub district of Parenggean. Ombudsman got some complaints about forest area release that has no solution until now even though PT KIU paid the debts according to Undang-Undang Cipta Kerja Chapter 110A since nine months ago.
The next was in the palm oil gathering spots. It was found that many stakeholders did not re-measure their scale. After having it, there were gaps about two ounces that delivered profits for the stakeholders.
The visit to PT Pelantaran Sawit Perkasa (PSP) in Village of Bukit Batu, Sub district of Cempaga Hulu found the fraud potential in fresh fruit bunch (FFB) scale. Even though the legal metrology unit re-measured the scale, the machine has no seal. This would be a worry for having inaccurate scale.
From the document check at PT PSP, it was found that the company was registered in the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Industry. Ministry of Industry suggested the company to officially send documents to improve the code about kernel industry, while Ministry of Agriculture suggested to get plantation business permits, namely about the cooperation documents.
The last visit was in the palm oil plantations of Koperasi Bukit Lestari in Village of Bukit Batu. Ombudsman found that the 851 hectare – palm oil plantations were in forest areas and only got land documents that 192 smallholders got. Even though the cooperation would cultivate the areas since 2021 independently, their plans should get stuck for unclear area status while replanting program should be immediately conducted in the next five years because the trees have been 20 years old. (T2)
