InfoSAWIT, SIAK – Agrarian conflict between residents and the plantation company PT Seraya Sumber Lestari in Siak Regency, Riau, reached a boiling point on Wednesday (June 11, 2025). Hundreds of angry residents set fire to dozens of employee houses and security posts belonging to the company in Tumang Village, Siak District. This mass action marked the peak of tensions that had been building for some time.
Thick black smoke billowed from the burning site as the crowd surged towards various company facilities. Security posts were vandalized, and employee vehicles were destroyed. This action was described as a manifestation of residents' frustration over the slow resolution of a prolonged land conflict.
Residents accused PT Seraya Sumber Lestari of being responsible for the destruction of community-owned palm oil plantations in Merempan Hulu Village. The palm trees, which have been a source of economic support for the residents, were reportedly damaged without clear justification, igniting anger that ultimately erupted into violence.
Amid the escalating situation, Siak Regent Afni Zulkifli visited the site to defuse tensions. Accompanied by security personnel, Afni sought to calm the residents and ensure that the issue would be addressed seriously.
“We have conveyed that the struggle for land rights is our main vision. We are here to advocate for the old palm oil plantations that are the livelihood of the community,” Afni stated, as reported by InfoSAWIT from Metrotvnews on Saturday (June 14, 2025).
Afni also promised to facilitate dialogue between the residents and the company, and to pursue legal avenues if necessary to restore the rights of the community. He urged residents to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation.
Meanwhile, the company has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, police forces have been deployed to the location to secure the situation and investigate the damage to facilities and potential casualties from the incident.
Land conflicts between communities and plantation companies in Riau are not new. Issues related to boundary disputes, claims of customary land, and the management of plasma land often lead to tensions that culminate in open conflict. The events in Siak serve as a reminder that achieving fair and inclusive agrarian resolution remains a significant challenge in many regions.
As of this report, conditions in Tumang Village have begun to stabilize, although security personnel remain on guard. The local government has stated that it will soon form a mediation team to seek a resolution to this protracted conflict. (T2)
