
InfoSAWIT, PALU – The operation of dozens of palm oil companies without Business Use Rights (HGU) in Central Sulawesi has sparked protests from the community. In a demonstration held in front of the Central Sulawesi Governor's Office on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the United People's Coalition highlighted illegal practices that harm the community and the environment.
The coordinator of the action, Aulia Hakim, revealed that about 70 percent of palm oil companies in Central Sulawesi operate without valid HGU. According to their data, there are 43 companies still conducting activities without the necessary permits.
“We urge the government to immediately evaluate the companies that violate these regulations. Operating without HGU not only implies legal violations but also harms small farmers and indigenous communities who are increasingly marginalized,” Aulia Hakim stated, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Tribun Palu on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The action, which began at 10:30 WITA, was attended by dozens of people from various community elements, including environmental activists and farmers affected by the expansion of palm oil plantations. They carried banners demanding government transparency in overseeing palm oil company licensing.
This issue arose after the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid, revealed that nationally there are 2.5 million hectares of palm oil land without HGU managed by 537 companies. Central Sulawesi itself has a palm oil concession area of 713,217 hectares, but many companies have yet to obtain official permits.
According to Aulia Hakim, the expansion of palm oil in Central Sulawesi began in 1987 when PT Tamaco Graha Krida obtained a location permit in Poso Regency (now Morowali), leading to prolonged agrarian conflicts. “All this time, small communities have been the victims. Their land has been seized, and the profits are enjoyed by a handful of parties,” he added.
Activists from the Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI) in Central Sulawesi also highlighted the environmental impacts of operations without HGU. They argue that weak government oversight has led to increased deforestation and environmental pollution. “Without HGU, it is difficult to ensure that companies fulfill their obligations in environmental recovery and the welfare of local communities,” said one WALHI activist.
The demonstrators demanded that the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government conduct a thorough audit of palm oil companies that do not have HGU. They also urged that companies found to be violating regulations face strict sanctions, including the revocation of operational permits.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from the Central Sulawesi Provincial Government regarding the demonstrators' demands. However, this action underscores that the community will not remain silent against plantation practices deemed detrimental to public and environmental interests. (T2)