InfoSAWIT, KETAPANG – Several members of the Prosperous Together Palm Oil Cooperative (Koperasi SSB) in Air Hitam Besar Village, Kendawangan District, have filed a lawsuit at the Ketapang District Court against PT Berkat Nabati Sejahtera (PT BNS) and the cooperative's management. This lawsuit was filed over allegations of non-compliance with the realization of partnership land amounting to 20% of the total area managed, which they claim has only been realized at 603.13 hectares.
Usman Muliyadi, one of the cooperative members, believes that this discrepancy directly affects the low income from the Remaining Harvest Results (SHK) received by cooperative members. "We handed over the land 16 years ago, but the rights of the community have not been fulfilled. If the 1,470 hectares of plantations were realized, the SHK we receive should be larger. We are suing for PT BNS and the cooperative to be transparent about the location and area of the HGU of the plantation," Usman stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from thekalimantanpost on Thursday (December 19, 2024).
Ilmik, another plaintiff in this case, echoed similar sentiments. "The cooperative should advocate for our rights, but they remain silent. Therefore, we brought this issue to court," he emphasized.
The legal counsel for the plaintiffs, Ivo Elmoswat, mentioned that the ideal income for cooperative members should reach Rp10 million per month, not the Rp2 million to Rp3 million currently being received. "This indicates a real loss for the farmers," he said.
In response to the lawsuit, the Head of PA Legal at PT BNS provided clarification. He explained that the company has fulfilled its obligations under Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 98 of 2013 and Minister of Agriculture Regulation No. 18 of 2021 regarding the development of partnership plantations amounting to 20% of the total area managed.
"In its implementation, the company has reported the management of partnership plantations and SHK to the cooperative transparently," he stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from wartaketapang on Thursday (December 19, 2024). He also noted that geographical conditions, such as flooding and natural disasters, have been the main factors preventing the realization of planting targets in some areas.
According to him, the managed land includes a core plantation of 6,300 hectares and a partnership plantation of 1,470 hectares, with details showing that 922 hectares are mature for harvest, 349 hectares are not yet mature, and 200 hectares have been affected by flooding.
"We consider this lawsuit to be vague, as the demand for the area of partnership land does not correlate with the low SHK received by members. We will present accurate data and facts to prove that the company's actions have complied with regulations," he asserted.
The first hearing related to this lawsuit took place on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) at the Ketapang District Court. All parties are now awaiting further developments in the ongoing legal process. (T2)