InfoSAWIT, SUBULUSSALAM – The Palm Oil Mill (PKS) PT Mitra Sawit Bersama (MSB), located in Namo Buaya Village, Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City, Aceh Province, is under scrutiny. The mill is alleged to be operating without a valid Operational Feasibility Certificate (SLO) for its waste management, leading to public controversy.
This allegation gained traction following the circulation of a letter from PT Alhilaby Lingkungan Indonesia to the management of PT MSB, dated February 17, 2025, with the number 09.001/AHLI/II/2025. The letter stated that the environmental documents and technical approval for waste management are still in progress. However, despite the incomplete permits, PT MSB has fully commenced its operations.
When contacted, PT MSB's spokesperson, H. Agustizar, confirmed that the waste-related permits are still being processed. However, he could not confirm whether the mill is allowed to operate before the permits are issued.
"The permits are in the process," he briefly stated via WhatsApp on Friday (March 14, 2025). When further questioned about the operational regulations without complete permits, he replied, "I don't know whether it's wrong or not, as the permits are still being processed at the ministry."
Meanwhile, the Head of the Subulussalam Environmental and Forestry Agency (DLHK), Abdul Rahman Ali, S.Hut, admitted that he does not have data regarding PT MSB's waste. "The data is with the Head of Division; we will inform you later," he said on Wednesday (March 13, 2025). However, there has been no further clarification from the DLHK regarding the legality of the mill's operations.
Mayor of Subulussalam Visits the Site
The allegations of environmental pollution due to PT MSB's activities have caught the attention of Subulussalam Mayor H. Rasyid Bancin (HRB). On March 10, 2025, HRB visited the mill's waste pond to assess the situation after receiving reports of community concerns.
Local residents have complained about a foul odor and discoloration of the Batu-Batu River, which is suspected to originate from the mill's waste. This suspicion further strengthens the indication that the mill has not implemented proper waste management procedures.
As of now, there has been no clarity on whether PT MSB has violated regulations regarding waste management. The community is awaiting concrete actions from the government and authorities to address these allegations of environmental pollution. Will there be strict sanctions for PT MSB? Or will the mill continue to operate without complete permits? The public is waiting for answers to this issue. (*)
Report by Nukman Suryadi
