InfoSAWIT, CIREBON – Dozens of women in Cigobang Village, Pasaleman Sub-district, Cirebon Regency, West Java, took a bold action by forcefully pulling out oil palm seedlings planted on approximately 2.5 hectares of land on Friday (16/1/2026). The action reflected residents’ rejection of the suspected illegal plantation, which they believe threatens the surrounding environment.
InfoSAWIT quoted iNews on Sunday (18/1/2026), reporting that the residents’ action was driven by disappointment as the plantation operator had not cleared the land, despite local government and the West Java Governor setting a deadline until Thursday, 15 January 2026 for the area to be emptied and cleaned up. The deadline was reportedly ignored by the business owner.
While chanting rejection slogans, dozens of residents entered the plantation area that had previously gone viral due to claims that the oil palm plantation appeared “mysterious” in the Cirebon region. Armed with simple tools such as machetes and crowbars, and even using their bare hands, residents uprooted the seedlings one by one. The oil palm seedlings were reportedly planted only about four months ago.
“We are angry. We were given a deadline until last Thursday, but there was no action from the owner. If we don’t move, who will? This is our land,” said Rohana, one of the residents who joined the protest.
Another resident, Juju, added that the plantation had caused unrest because it was feared it could disrupt the village’s environmental sustainability.
Residents Fear Water Crisis and Ecosystem Damage
Strong opposition from Pasaleman residents was not only about land issues, but also about environmental concerns. Residents believe the forest ecosystem that has been preserved for years could be damaged and transformed if oil palm is allowed to grow further in their area.
In addition, the community expressed concerns over the availability of clean water. Oil palm is widely known as a crop with high water consumption, prompting fears that the plantation could trigger a future water crisis and environmental disasters.
Cigobang Village Head, M Abdul Zei, confirmed that an instruction to clear the land had been conveyed by central and local authorities. He stated that residents’ anger escalated because the business owner had not carried out the clearing process.
“The community is furious because the business owner has not cleared the land. In fact, Governor Dedi Mulyadi has strictly prohibited oil palm plantations in this area,” said Abdul Zei.
The residents’ uprooting action further highlights growing opposition toward oil palm plantations in West Java, especially in locations considered non-compliant with regulations and potentially harmful to the environment. (T2)
