InfoSAWIT, EAST KALIMANTAN - Stepanus, an independent palm oil farmer in Long Beleh Modang Village, Kembang Janggut District, East Kalimantan, is suddenly facing a harsh reality. He received a letter from PT Rencana Mulia Baratama (RMB), a coal mining company, demanding that he vacate approximately 5.26 hectares of land that he has nurtured and managed for over a decade.
The letter, dated June 19, 2025, states that Stepanus's palm oil land falls within the area of the Forest Area Use Permit (IPPKH) owned by the company, based on the Minister of Forestry's Decree No. SK.130/Menhut-II/2013. PT RMB claims it will soon conduct land clearing activities in the area.
Not stopping at the letter, the company also erected a large banner reading "Land Vacating Announcement" in the middle of Stepanus's palm oil plantation. The banner warns that opening and managing land without permission in forest areas could lead to criminal sanctions under Law No. 41 of 1999 on Forestry.
However, for Stepanus, the land is not just a plantation—it is his livelihood. "I have managed this land since 2004, starting with rice and then planting palm oil in 2013. I cleared it myself, planted it myself, and took care of it myself. There was never any notification that this was a company area or state forest. Now, suddenly, I'm being told to leave just through a letter and a banner? It feels unfair," he expressed in a statement received by InfoSAWIT on Monday (June 30, 2025).
Jamaluddin, Chairman of the Belayan Palm Oil Farmers Forum (FPSB), lamented PT RMB's approach in delivering the land vacating request. He argued that the company's actions of immediately posting a banner and giving only three days' notice without prior dialogue constitute intimidation against farmers.
"This is not just a matter of legality. It concerns basic rights to land, livelihood, and the right to be heard. The letter and banner reflect a unilateral attitude that disregards the human rights of farmers," Jamaluddin asserted.
He reminded that farmers like Stepanus should not be equated with illegal encroachers. "Stepanus has a track record. He is not a newcomer who just started farming; he is a local resident who lives off that land. The state and the company should be present in a fair and humane manner," he added.
Jamaluddin also referenced the UN Declaration on the Rights of Farmers and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP), which guarantees farmers' rights to land and protection from forced eviction. He emphasized that companies like PT RMB should adhere to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), which require businesses to respect human rights in all their operations, even if they have formal government permits.
The FPSB is now urging the local government, particularly the Forestry Department and the Kutai Kartanegara Regent, to intervene and mediate this issue. They hope for a dialogue space between farmers and the company to reach a solution that does not sacrifice either party.
"Mediate is crucial, not only to resolve this case but also to prevent similar conflicts from arising in the future," Jamaluddin stated.
Stepanus's case raises significant questions about the fate of thousands of independent farmers who have been cultivating land for decades without legal certification in East Kalimantan. Many of them find themselves trapped in a gray area—considered illegal by the state, yet relying on the land for their livelihoods. (T2)
Report: Jamal/East Kalimantan
