InfoSAWIT, BOGOR — Concerns over palm oil plantation expansion resurfaced following a series of natural disasters in Sumatra. Environmental groups pointed to forest-area conversion—originally intended for conservation—as one factor exacerbating floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Amid this scrutiny, attention has turned to other regions with significant palm oil plantations, including Bogor Regency. In Bogor, oil palm estates managed by PTPN IV PalmCo cover approximately 3,900 hectares.
“The 3,900 hectares are spread across five districts,” said Alit Firmansyah, spokesperson of PTPN Cikasungka Plantation, as quoted by Radar Bogor and reported by InfoSAWIT.
The districts include Cigudeg, Jasinga, Sukajaya, Rancabungur, and Kemang—covering around 28 villages.
When asked about conservation and disaster-mitigation programs in these areas, Alit declined to provide details. “I don’t have the authority to explain company matters. Everything is now centralized,” he said.
Separately, Cigudeg Village Head Andi Supriadi noted that around 500 hectares of his village fall within the PalmCo plantation. He acknowledged that oil palm operations have provided employment opportunities for local residents.
“Many of our people are involved—as administrative staff, field supervisors, harvesters, and daily workers,” he said.
As environmental governance in large plantations comes under increased public scrutiny, local voices like Andi’s highlight another dimension: the palm oil sector, despite controversies, remains a vital source of livelihood for thousands. (T2)
