Haris Azhar Reveals Allegations Of Human Rights Violations From Mining Businesses In Musi Banyuasin

Activist Haris Azhar/PHOTO: Diah Ayu-VOI

JAKARTA - Activist Haris Azhar revealed that there were allegations of human rights violations (HAM) from PT GPU mining activities in Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra.

"We consider there are allegations of human rights violations in the business practice run by PT Gorby Putra Utama, GPU," Haris told reporters, Saturday, December 7.

Haris said that PT GPU was suspected of criminalizing the president director and employees of PT SKB who were engaged in the oil palm plantation sector. In addition, PT GPU is also suspected of carrying out environmental damage and neglect of citizens' rights.

The problem began with a land dispute between PT GPU and PT SKB. Haris explained that PT GPU's mining activities became problematic because they were carried out on part of the land with business rights (HGU) PT SKB.

According to Haris, who is also the attorney for PT SKB employees, PT GPU's business license was issued by the Regent of Musi Rawas. However, the mining operation was carried out in Musi Banyuasin Regency, whose area was side by side with Musi Rawas.

Then so that PT GPU can carry out its operations, Haris said there was a transfer of the boundary to the North Musi Rawas area in the mining business area of PT SKB which used land in Musi Banyuasin. So, administratively, the disputed area was decided to be included in the North Musi Rawas.

"The question is how can it be? Yes, it can. Legally, there is a role for the Ministry of Home Affairs to make decisions or Permendagri which decides Musi Banyuasin to be part of the next regency," explained Haris.

"In my opinion, this is not just violence or crime in the field. This is very close to perfect because there is not only a practice of punishment by the police, but there is also a practice of regional or regional law administration carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs," he added.

Haris noted, from this case, there were 5 employees of PT SKB who were brought to trial and the main director was named a suspect. Then, another impact is river and air pollution from the mobility of the mining business of PT GPU.

Haris also asked the Lubuk Linggau District Court (PN) to immediately release employees of PT SKB, Djoko and Bagio, as an implication of the decision regarding the HGU of PT SKB.

"We also ask the Ministry of Environment and Human Rights to examine the alleged findings or violations that occurred," he added.