SAMPIT - The Government of East Kotawaringin Regency (Kotim), Central Kalimantan, has agreed to investigate alleged violations of regulations by a number of oil palm plantation companies as reported by the public.
"This means that we all agree that we will provide data from the public with licensing data and maps. Then we will call one by one the companies to make decisions on the demands of the community," said Regent Halikinnor in Sampit, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, June 14.
This affirmation was conveyed by Halikinnor during a meeting to discuss the community's demands against a number of oil palm plantations in East Kotawaringin. This event was attended by more than a hundred people.
This meeting is a follow-up to the demonstration of around 1000 people who were members of the Borneo Bengkulu Rajakng (TBBR) Dance last Thursday. In this meeting, Regional Leadership Coordination Forums, damang, sub-district heads, village heads and others were also present.
In this meeting, TBBR led by the Chairman of TBBR Central Kalimantan, Kimang Damai conveyed the aspirations and demands of the community. They conveyed in detail the alleged violation of the rules, the name of the company and its locations.
The consequences of these palm oil companies include Antang Talang, Telawang, Telaga Antang, Tualan Hulu, Parenggean, Mentaya Hulu, Cempaga Hulu, Besi City, North Mentaya Hilir, Mentawa Baru Ketapang and Bukit Santuai.
Allegations of dominating violations are the non-realization of a plasma garden of 20 percent for the community.
In addition, alleged violations of planting palm oil outside of business rights (HGU), planting in river, lakes and roads, planting in production forest areas, disposing of waste into rivers, eviction of tombs and others.
"Especially for the alleged pollution of waste into the river, I will order the team from the Environment Agency to immediately go down to the location. I ask to be accompanied by the police and the prosecutor's office so that it can be processed if it is proven," said Halikinnor.
Regarding palm oil grown outside the HGU, Halikinnor hopes that it will be taken over by the state, then used as a plasma garden for the community. It has become a risk for the company if it insists on breaking the rules.
"So far, for the community and this has not violated the rules, I will take the firm policy. That's why we first match the data and our perception so that we have a solid basis. I ask for the support of the entire community," said Halikinnor who is also the Chairman of the East Kotawaringin Indigenous Council (DAD).
Halikinnor asked the public to be patient because there are quite a lot of problems that will be explored. For this reason, it has been agreed in this meeting to solve this problem per sub-district alternately.
"We are not anti-investment because we need it. But, of course, investment that obeys the rules, is environmentally friendly and pays attention to the fate of the community. That's why we will call one by one the leaders of the plantations for us to ask for their decisions," said Halikinnor.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of TBBR Central Kalimantan, Kimang Damai, appreciated the attitude of the Regent of Halikinnor regarding this issue. His party is ready to oversee it because the demands fought for are purely the aspirations of the community and have nothing to do with politics or are ridden by political interests.
"It's enough that so far our society has only been a spectator. Our people have the right to enjoy a 20 percent plasma garden from each company. We only demand rights, especially since there are strict rules made by the government," said Kimang Damai.
Kimang hopes that the regent can make firm policies so that this problem does not drag on. His party together with the community are ready to support and oversee the regent's policy in favor of the community.
Regent Halikinnor while chairing a meeting with TBBR, damang, sub-district head, village head and community leaders discussed community demands
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