InfoSAWIT, NORTH MOROWALI — Agrarian polemics in North Morowali have resurfaced after PT Agro Nusa Abadi (ANA), a subsidiary of palm oil plantation company PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk., which has been operating for 17 years, is accused of operating without a Business Use Rights (HGU).
Agussalim from the Indonesian Advocates Congress revealed that the Plantation Business License (IUP) held by PT ANA is also questioned for its validity as it is not accompanied by an HGU. “This is not just an administrative issue, but it also has the potential to cause significant losses to the state,” Agussalim stated in a statement to InfoSAWIT on Monday (August 12, 2025).
Several parties have accused the palm oil harvesting activities on land claimed by PT ANA of often dragging farmers into legal disputes. The company claims the harvest is illegal, while farmers assert they have valid proof of land ownership.
Additionally, PT ANA is also alleged to have caused the state losses amounting to hundreds of billions of rupiah due to not paying taxes while operating without an HGU. The conflict between the community and the company continues to escalate, prompting calls for the government to intervene and regulate the situation.
PT ANA denied any legal violations. The company stated that it has been processing the issuance of the HGU certificate, but the process has been hampered because the National Land Agency (BPN) has not issued the certificate due to the land status not being clear and clean.
PT ANA's management added that they are currently verifying with the village and sub-district governments to ensure the actual land ownership.
The Central Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati Sulteng) has opened an investigation into the alleged legal violations by PT ANA, including non-compliance with tax payments and the absence of an HGU.
LBH Morut
On the other hand, the Director of the Morowali Utara Legal Aid Institute (LBH Morut), Alexander, emphasized that institutionally PT ANA is not directly involved in the latest land dispute case. However, he mentioned the alleged involvement of individuals in PT ANA's Partnership Team managing plasma, as well as the Mujur Jaya Molino Cooperative (MJM), in the encroachment of 120 hectares of land claimed by 64 farmers.
“We urge the police to take firm action to prevent the criminalization of the civil rights of the community,” said Alexander in a statement to InfoSAWIT on Monday (August 12, 2025). He also called for a transparent investigation into the alleged involvement of the MJM Cooperative.
LBH Morut ensures that it will continue to monitor this case to guarantee justice for the farmers. “All parties must respect the legal processes in place,” he added. (T2)
