InfoSAWIT, JAKARTA – Chairman of the Center for Law and Conflict Resolution (PURAKA), Ahmad Zazali, highlighted rising agrarian conflicts involving PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (APN), the company managing palm estates seized under the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (Satgas PKH).
According to Zazali, conflicts emerging across several regions must be addressed seriously to prevent enforcement efforts and food sovereignty agendas from triggering prolonged social tension.
“Based on developments through late 2025 and early 2026, PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara has faced conflicts in regions such as Riau, Jambi, Central Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan,” Zazali told InfoSAWIT on Monday (26/1/2026).
In Riau, he said, the conflicts reportedly involved Indigenous communities including Talang Mamak, Sakai, and Tambusai. The situation, he warned, should serve as an alarm that management of seized estates cannot focus solely on production, but must prioritize fair governance and prevent violence on the ground.
Zazali conveyed several strategic recommendations for President Prabowo Subianto to address conflicts surrounding seized palm estates managed by Agrinas.
Audit Agrinas’ Operational Partnership Scheme
First, Zazali urged a full evaluation of Agrinas’ Operational Cooperation (KSO) arrangements. He called for President Prabowo to instruct the State Audit Board (BPK) and the Attorney General’s Office to conduct an investigative audit of Agrinas’ operations, including the legality of land transfers from Satgas PKH.
He said public scrutiny suggests the KSO scheme could spark new conflicts if not handled properly.
“Ensure there are no new actors simply replacing old oligarchies without improving the welfare of surrounding communities,” he stressed.
Prioritise Restorative Justice Over Security-Based Approaches
Zazali also warned that agrarian conflicts cannot be resolved through security-heavy approaches. He urged Satgas PKH and Agrinas to prioritize open dialogue and partnerships with Indigenous and local communities.
He pointed to reports of violent conflict in KSO areas, including in Bengkalis Regency, Riau, which allegedly resulted in injuries and vehicle damage.
He said land rights mapping and recognition of customary territories should be strengthened so local communities become core partners rather than spectators.
Re-Verify Seized Land Up to 1 Million Hectares
Zazali further emphasized transparency and validation of seized land, calling for re-verification of areas transferred to Agrinas. The land size has been cited at 674,000 hectares to more than 1 million hectares, which he said must be confirmed as “clean and clear,” given potential overlaps with community land.
In addition, Zazali highlighted the need to improve Agrinas’ management if serious negligence or conflict escalation is proven.
Ensure Protection for Workers and Local Communities
Lastly, Zazali urged the government to ensure protection for workers and Indigenous/local communities affected by the land transition to Agrinas. He said performance should not be measured solely by financial gains, but by social and economic impacts at the ground level.
“The focus must not only be on net profit, but also on socio-economic impacts on the ground,” he said, referring to reports that Agrinas recorded Rp1.6 trillion net profit in 2025.
He stressed that conflict resolution is crucial to ensure the national food security mission under Asta Cita does not undermine local rights, but instead empowers communities. (T2)
