InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Several palm oil companies in Central Kalimantan are under scrutiny for alleged violations of peatland regulations and involvement in recurrent fires. This was highlighted by Ziadatunnisa, Campaigner from Kaoem Telapak, during an online discussion addressing sustainability in the plantation sector.
Ziadatunnisa pointed out that one of the companies suspected of violating environmental regulations is PT AGL, operating in Pulang Pisau. “The ecosystem in Pulang Pisau is very vulnerable. We have found indications of violations in peatland areas, along with various other issues that demonstrate non-compliance with sustainability standards,” she stated during the launch of a Peatland Study Report, a collaboration between Kaoem Telapak and Pantau Gambut, attended by InfoSAWIT on Tuesday (February 25, 2025).
In addition to deforestation detected through satellite imagery, land disputes with local communities have also been reported. Some affected residents have provided testimonies regarding these issues. Similar problems have been found in other companies operating in protected peatland areas, which should have special protections.
Not only in Pulang Pisau, but violations have also been reported in Kapuas Regency, where PT BCMP has a history of forest and land fires (karhutla) since 2015. “We have identified a pattern of recurrent fires over an area of more than 6,000 hectares from 2015 to 2020, and fires are still occurring in this area in 2023,” Ziadatunnisa revealed.
The legality of PT BCMP is also under question. Based on investigations, although the company is registered with the relevant ministry, the conditions on the ground do not reflect proper palm oil plantation activities. Instead, the land allegedly owned by the company now appears to be integrated with a national strategic project (PSN) food estate in Kapuas.
“When we overlaid the company’s area map with the food estate project area, the locations matched identically. This raises significant questions regarding land management and the business permits they hold,” she added.
Recurrent fires in peatland serve as indicators of non-compliance with environmental laws. Therefore, Ziadatunnisa emphasized that the government needs to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the business permits of companies operating in protected peatland. “The lack of clarity in land management can have serious impacts on ecosystems and local communities. Thus, business permits need to be reviewed,” she concluded. (T2)
