InfoSAWIT, BOGOR — Civil society groups are urging transparency as the government prepares to seize an additional 4–5 million hectares of problematic palm oil plantations in 2026, following the takeover of around 4 million hectares in 2025.

Responding to President Prabowo Subianto’s statement, Achmad Surambo, Executive Director of Sawit Watch, questioned the data underpinning the seizure targets.

“Government data previously showed 3.3 million hectares of illegal palm oil in forest areas. If the new target reaches 5 million hectares, the source of this data must be clarified,” he said.

Sawit Watch also criticized the lack of ecological restoration following land seizures. “Taking over land is not enough. Forest areas must be restored. Maintaining monoculture palm plantations under state ownership only perpetuates environmental damage,” Surambo said.

Labor rights are another concern. Hundreds of thousands of plantation workers could be affected during the transition from private companies to state-owned enterprises.

“Asset seizures must not strip workers of their rights. The state should set an example as a fair employer,” Surambo emphasized. (T2)