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Central Sulawesi DPRD Promises to Investigate Allegations of Illegal Palm Oil Investment



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Central Sulawesi DPRD Promises to Investigate Allegations of Illegal Palm Oil Investment

InfoSAWIT, PALU – Allegations of illegal palm oil investment in Central Sulawesi (Sulteng) have received serious attention from the Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD). The Deputy Chairman I of DPRD Sulteng, Aristan, emphasized that they will investigate the existence of companies operating without permits, following reports from the United People's Coalition during a demonstration in front of the Sulteng DPRD Office.

Aristan appreciated the action as a form of concern for transparency in investment and legal compliance in the palm oil sector. He noted that there are indications that some companies have been operating for over a decade without official permits, which could be categorized as serious legal violations.

“We will trace the truth and validity of the data presented. If proven true, this is a systematic crime that has been allowed for years,” Aristan stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Tribun Palu on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

He added that the DPRD will coordinate with the relevant commission to summon responsible parties for further investigation. Aristan highlighted that illegal investments not only harm the state in terms of tax revenue but also have serious ecological impacts.

“Companies operating without permits not only eliminate potential regional revenue but also contribute to environmental destruction, such as flooding, drought, and social conflicts with local communities,” he said.

On the same occasion, Aristan also questioned how palm oil companies could operate without permits for years without action from the authorities. He urged the local government to take decisive action and expedite evaluations of all palm oil companies in Sulteng.

Previously, the United People's Coalition revealed that out of 61 palm oil companies operating in Sulteng, about 70 percent do not have Business Use Rights (HGU). This action also responds to the statement by the Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid, who mentioned that nationally there are 2.5 million hectares of palm oil land without HGU managed by 537 companies. (T2)


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