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FMBP's Arrogance, Allegedly Orders Residents to Loot FFB from PT Agricinal



Doc. Special/he Forum for the People of Bumi Pekal (FMBP) has sparked controversy again after allegedly instructing residents to loot Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of palm oil owned by PT Agricinal in Put
FMBP's Arrogance, Allegedly Orders Residents to Loot FFB from PT Agricinal

InfoSAWIT, BENGKULU – The Forum for the People of Bumi Pekal (FMBP) has sparked controversy again after allegedly instructing residents to loot Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) of palm oil owned by PT Agricinal in Puteri Hijau District, North Bengkulu, on December 12, 2024. This action further complicates the ongoing conflict that has persisted since the blockade of access to the company began in early November 2024.

PT Agricinal's Finance Director, Daniel Manurung, revealed that dozens of people arrived at the company's HGU (Land Use Rights) area in vehicles to take palm fruit. Based on employee reports and internal investigations, this action was carried out under the instruction of FMBP.

"We received information that since morning, dozens of people have been looting palm fruit in the company's HGU area. From the investigation, it was found that this action was carried out on the direct orders of FMBP," Daniel stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT on Wednesday (December 18, 2024).

The looting lasted for several hours without being prevented by the company's security team, which was outnumbered. Many residents used vehicles to transport the looted goods from the palm plantation area.

Daniel emphasized that the company has reported this incident to the North Bengkulu Police. He hopes that the authorities will take decisive action to restore the situation to normal.

"As citizens, we have exercised our rights by informing the authorities about this situation. We hope this chaotic situation can be resolved soon," he said.

FMBP's actions, which are seen as directing residents to loot, have drawn criticism from various parties, including the Chairman of the Indonesian Palm Farmers Association (Apkasindo) of Bengkulu Province, Jakfar.

"If there is indeed a land dispute, it should be resolved through mediation or legal channels, not through actions that harm one party," Jakfar asserted.

He believes that such actions not only violate the law but also create instability that harms the wider community, especially plasma farmers who collaborate with PT Agricinal.

The looting of palm fruit occurs amid a prolonged conflict between FMBP and PT Agricinal. FMBP claims that part of the land managed by the company is outside the HGU and should belong to the community. However, PT Agricinal insists that all the land they manage has valid HGU permits.

The North Bengkulu District Government, along with Forkopimda, the National Land Agency (BPN) of North Bengkulu, and the BPN Regional Office of Bengkulu, conducted a field check on November 14, 2024. The results showed no palm plantations managed by PT Agricinal were found outside the HGU. Nevertheless, FMBP continues to maintain the blockade and is now allegedly involved in looting.

FMBP's actions further exacerbate the economic and social conditions in the area, especially for plasma farmers who depend on access to PT Agricinal. Jakfar and several community leaders urge the local government to take firmer action against illegal activities.

"The government must take concrete steps immediately. This conflict should not be allowed to drag on as it will increasingly harm the community," Jakfar stated.

With the situation escalating, resolving the conflict between FMBP and PT Agricinal through legal and mediation channels has become an urgent necessity. The government and law enforcement are expected to provide fair and decisive solutions to end this polemic. (T2)

 

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