InfoSAWIT, NORTH SUMATRA – Parabuhan Hasibuan, the Village Head of Ujung Gading Julu in North Sumatra and a smallholder palm oil farmer, recounted the intricate plight of the land he has managed for almost three decades. His 4.5-hectare plot, which he has cultivated since 1995, has now been suddenly categorized as a forest area.
"Our village has been here for a long time, even long before Indonesia's independence. But now, the palm oil plantation we've been cultivating since 1995 is suddenly being called a forest area. This is the problem we are facing," Parabuhan said during an online discussion at the end of July 2025, attended by InfoSAWIT.
According to him, the Task Force for the Prevention and Eradication of Forest Destruction (Satgas PKH) has been inconsistent in applying the regulations. He believes that Articles 12A, 17A, and 110B in the Forest Destruction Law clearly provide an exemption for communities who have continuously managed land under five hectares for more than five years. However, in practice, this exemption is not being implemented.
"They refuse to look at that regulation. Even plots of just one or two hectares are still being challenged. As a result, the community feels wronged," he stressed.
Parabuhan added that the situation is even more painful when community lands that are confiscated are transferred to large companies, such as PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara. "When the Satgas PKH comes, a 1-hectare, 2-hectare, or 3-hectare plot belonging to the people can be seized immediately. Meanwhile, large companies benefit. This is very unfair," he lamented.
He also voiced his hope that the Constitutional Court (MK) will issue a ruling that truly protects small communities. Parabuhan emphasized that the ruling must provide a real and unconditional exemption without complicated requirements.
"Our hope, representing communities in North Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, and other regions, is that the regulations don't provide an exemption on the surface but then add more conditions for forest area management behind the scenes. We want true justice," he concluded. (T2)
