InfoSAWIT, PASER – PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV Regional V Unit Kebun Tabara has responded to allegations of criminalization against several citizens claiming to be heirs of land in Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. The company asserts that all legal actions taken are solely to protect state assets and are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.
This issue emerged in April 2025 when a group of citizens, part of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Awa Kain Naket Bolum, claimed plantation land in several villages as ancestral land. They demanded that activities in the plantation be halted. The claims include areas in Lembok, Pait Village, Sawit Jaya, and Pasir Mayang.
"They refer to the area as ancestral land. However, it is an area that has a valid Business Use Rights (HGU) and is currently in the process of extension," said Anwar Anshari, Manager of Kebun Tabara, in an official statement reported by InfoSAWIT on Monday (June 23, 2025).
According to Anwar, PTPN IV Regional V currently holds an active Plantation Business License (IUP). The process of extending the HGU for an area of 7,167 hectares is underway through a Committee B meeting facilitated by the National Land Agency (BPN).
Tensions escalated when the group not only voiced their opposition but also occupied the plantation area. They built huts and erected barriers in the plantation areas of Afdeling VI and VII. "The act of erecting huts and occupying HGU land is a legal violation. The State Attorney from the East Kalimantan High Prosecutor's Office considers this a criminal act. Therefore, we coordinated with the police, who then followed up with legal proceedings," explained Anwar.
As of now, legal proceedings against three individuals involved in the occupation are ongoing at the Paser Police Department and have entered the case examination stage.
Anwar also emphasized that from the beginning, the company has opened channels for communication and discussion with the community. Socialization regarding the legal status of the land and the HGU extension process has been conducted well before any legal actions were taken. "We do not close the door to dialogue. But as the manager of state assets, we have a legal responsibility to ensure the operational continuity of the plantation," he stated.
Anwar lamented the narrative that portrays the company's legal actions as a form of criminalization of the community. He believes such framing could mislead public perception. "Let us not frame law enforcement as criminalization. We actually support peaceful resolution, as long as it remains within the legal framework. If legal violations are allowed, what kind of justice are we fighting for?" he rhetorically questioned.
For your information, the opposition to the HGU extension of the Tabara plantation has been ongoing for about eight months. The Awa Kain Naket Bolum NGO even submitted a request to the BPN to reject the extension of PTPN IV's HGU. However, this request was denied by the East Kalimantan BPN as it was deemed legally unfounded.
With the ongoing dynamics, PTPN IV hopes all parties can exercise restraint and respect the legal processes underway. Meanwhile, the company remains open to communication to maintain good relations with the local community, without neglecting compliance with existing regulations. (T2)
