Land conflict in South Konawe: Farmer's house burned, PT Marketindo Selaras allegedly did not stockpile HGU

This is the house of a farmer who was burned, PT Marketindo Selaras, they are suspected of not having HGU. (IST)

KONAWE SELATAN - Agrarian conflict is heating up again in Southeast Sulawesi. Farmers in Puao Village and Pusanggula Village, Angata District, South Konawe Regency, are reported to be victims of forced eviction allegedly carried out by PT Marketindo Selaras (MS) on Friday (30/1/2026).

The action, which took place around 08.00 WITA, reportedly resulted in the destruction of property and intimidation of local residents.

Chronology: Dozens of Houses Burned and Destroyed

Based on information collected in the field, the company is suspected of massively destroying assets belonging to residents. It is recorded that around 50 units of people's houses were damaged, even some of them were reported to have been burned.

Not only buildings, productive plants that are the source of farmers' livelihoods are also destroyed. Several motorized vehicles belonging to residents were also reported damaged and taken by the company.

Residents who tried to defend their land were forced to retreat due to pressure from the masses, allegedly deployed by the company. Reports say that sharp weapons were used in the action, which created a tense atmosphere for civilians.

Farmers can't fight when their houses are burned by individuals. (IST)

Alleged Illegal Activities Without HGU

The spotlight is on the legality of PT MS' operations. The company is suspected of carrying out activities in the area without having a valid Business Use Right (HGU).

In agrarian law, without HGU, companies do not have a legal basis to control land, let alone take repressive actions such as forced eviction. This activity is considered a serious violation of the right to community living space.

Criticism of Law Enforcement Agencies

The action led by the company's senior official with the initials PLW triggered the public's disappointment with the police. There is an allegation of negligence by the South Konawe Police and the South Sulawesi Police, considering that the violent act took place in public but did not receive adequate security to protect the public.

Statement of Attitude and Demands of the People

In response to this brutal incident, community representatives and legal assistants urged decisive action from the central government:

Termination of Operations: Demanding PT Marketindo Selaras immediately stop all activities in the disputed area. HGU Audit: Urging relevant agencies to thoroughly investigate the alleged illegal activities without HGU by PT MS. Law Enforcement: Asking the police to arrest the perpetrators of vandalism and corporate managers involved. Leadership Evaluation: Urging the National Police Chief to evaluate the performance of the South Sulawesi Regional Police Chief for allegedly allowing violence against the people.

Until this news was released, PT Marketindo Selaras and the South Sulawesi Police have not given official statements regarding the incident in Angata District.