InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA — President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia reaffirmed the government's commitment to law enforcement and natural resource management aimed at maximizing the prosperity of the people. In his speech during the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) on August 15, 2025, he highlighted several achievements, including the return of millions of hectares of problematic palm oil land to the state.

"In enforcing law and justice, judges' salaries must be adequate. We have increased the salaries of several judges by up to 280%. We are also unafraid to uncover major national corruption cases," President Prabowo stated during the session, as reported by InfoSAWIT.

He revealed that a few years ago, the government received reports of millions of hectares of palm oil plantations violating regulations—ranging from being located in protected forest areas, failing to report planting areas, to ignoring official government summons. In response, the government issued Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 concerning the Regulation of Forest Areas.

"Today, I report that the government has reclaimed 3.1 million hectares from a potential 5 million hectares of palm oil land reported as problematic. Out of 3.7 million hectares verified as violating regulations, 3.1 million have been returned to the state," he explained.

The President also mentioned a court ruling that has been legally binding for 18 years, which ordered the seizure of palm oil plantations but had yet to be executed. "I do not know why, but I have ordered it to be reclaimed by the state," he asserted, adding that military forces have been deployed to oversee the process on the ground.

He acknowledged that efforts to reclaim state assets are not always smooth. "There is often resistance, and some dare to oppose the government," Prabowo revealed.

Following the regulation of palm oil land, the government will shift its focus to the mining sector. According to reports from authorities, there are 1,063 illegal mines operating in Indonesia. "The potential loss to the state from these illegal mines is reported to be at least IDR 300 trillion," the President stated.

He assured that enforcement against violations in the mining sector will be carried out firmly, just as it has been in the palm oil sector. (T2)