InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Ateng Sutisna, a member of Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR RI) from the PKS faction, has voiced support for the Ombudsman RI’s recommendations to address the long-standing issue of overlapping palm oil plantation lands and forest areas. He views the recommendations as a crucial step in improving the governance of the national palm oil industry.
“This study provides evidence and facts showing that the governance of the palm oil industry still requires continuous improvement. Therefore, I urge the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) to promptly inventory and identify overlaps between palm oil plantation permits (HGU) and forest areas,” Ateng said in a statement on Thursday (5/12/2024).
The issue of overlapping lands has persisted for years. Data from the Ombudsman RI reveals that 3.22 million hectares of palm oil plantation land overlap with forest areas, involving 2,172 companies and 1,063 cooperatives or farmer groups.
Other sources suggest an even higher figure of 3.5 million hectares, with only 7% of these conflicts resolved under Articles 110A and 110B of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation. The remaining 93% are still unresolved.
Ateng highlighted that the unclear status of these lands not only hinders the implementation of the People’s Palm Oil Rejuvenation Program (PSR) but also delays the certification of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO). Current registration for smallholder cultivation permits (STDB) is alarmingly low, covering just 1.54% of all smallholder palm oil farmers.
“Uncertainty over land status results in legal uncertainty for farmers and companies. Swift and coordinated action is essential,” he emphasized.
Proposed Solutions
Ateng outlined several actionable steps the government must take, Data Inventory and Verification, Collaboration between the Ministry of ATR/BPN, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), and regional governments to identify and verify overlapping land data.
Affirmation of Land Rights (HAT), Recognizing and legalizing land rights for those meeting ownership criteria. Streamlined Permitting Processes, Ensuring faster and more transparent processing of permits, including STDB documentation.
Resolution through Articles 110A and 110B, Utilizing existing legal mechanisms to resolve conflicts fairly and transparently. And Inter-Ministerial Coordination,
Strengthening cooperation with the KLHK to align policies and regulations on land management.
Ateng stressed that resolving these overlaps is vital to ensuring the sustainability of the palm oil industry and providing legal certainty for farmers and companies.
“This issue is not only about sustainability but also about upholding justice and securing the future of Indonesia's palm oil sector,” he concluded. (T2)
