InfoSAWIT, PONTIANAK – West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan has affirmed the provincial government's commitment to finding the best solution for the independent palm oil land conflict in Melawi Regency, which has recently caused public unrest.
"The provincial government will not let the communities who have managed this land for a long time lose it just like that. We will strive to find the best way out, a win-win solution, while still adhering to applicable regulations," said Ria Norsan after receiving an audience with Melawi Regent Dadi Sunarya Usfa Yursa, along with representatives of independent palm oil farmers and several village heads at the Ruai Telabang Room, West Kalimantan Governor's Office, last Wednesday.
The meeting was a follow-up to community protests after the Forest Area Order Task Force (PKH) sealed several palm oil plantations based on Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 regarding Forest Areas. One of the potential solutions being considered is the possibility of changing the land status from a production forest area to a "other use area" (APL), which would provide the community with legal certainty in managing their plantations.
Melawi Regent Dadi Sunarya said that the land sealing has had a serious impact on thousands of independent palm oil farmers in his region. "The farmers feel the policy is unfair because the land they have managed for decades was suddenly sealed off on the grounds that it is in a forest area. We hope the provincial government can find the best solution," he said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Antara on Sunday (8/31/2025).
Suhaili, a representative of village heads from Melawi, echoed this sentiment. According to him, the unrest affects at least 20 villages in five sub-districts. "This sealing not only halts production but also puts psychological pressure on the residents. We ask the government to review Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 and consider legalizing and returning this land to the community, rather than giving it to a concession," he stated firmly.
With the provincial government's commitment to assisting the community, a resolution to this agrarian conflict is expected to be reached soon. A just solution is deemed important not only to maintain palm oil productivity in Melawi but also to ensure the economic sustainability of the local community. (T2)
