InfoSAWIT, SAROLANGUN – A protest against the operations of PT SMM’s palm oil mill in Sarolangun Regency, Jambi, turned tense on Wednesday (13/5/2026) as dozens of residents, dominated by women and children from Pelawan Jaya Village, gathered outside the Sarolangun Regent’s office demanding the closure of the facility.
The situation escalated when protesters attempted to enter the regent’s office compound to meet directly with the Sarolangun Regent. Police officers guarding the area blocked the crowd, triggering pushing and shoving between demonstrators and security personnel.
Tensions intensified as several women became trapped in the crowd during the commotion. Protesters shouted at officers to back away after some participants were reportedly squeezed during the clash. Residents also displayed banners demanding the immediate shutdown of PT SMM, which they claimed continues to operate despite unresolved permit issues.
Despite the unrest, police eventually managed to regain control of the situation. However, the demonstration continued even as heavy rain poured over the regent’s office complex.
The atmosphere became increasingly dramatic after one protest participant reportedly fell into a trance during the demonstration, adding to the panic among residents gathered at the site.
Protest coordinator Zuber stated that residents reject PT SMM’s presence because the company allegedly began operating without proper public consultation and has yet to secure official permits from local authorities.
“Before the company was inaugurated and established, there was no public outreach. Discussions only took place after the company had already begun operating, even though it still lacked official permits from the government,” Zuber said, as quoted by InfoSAWIT from Jambi Link on Tuesday (19/5/2026).
He added that the protest followed a similar demonstration held a week earlier at the Sarolangun Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) office.
Residents also directed criticism toward members of Commission II of the Sarolangun DPRD representing the Pelawan–Singkut electoral district, accusing lawmakers of failing to side with the local community amid the ongoing conflict.
During the protest, a resident identified as Uus said previous hearings with the DPRD failed to produce concrete solutions. According to residents, dialogue efforts so far have not resulted in any tangible action regarding PT SMM’s operations.
The presence of children holding protest signs drew public attention during the rally. For residents, it reflected that the dispute extends beyond licensing issues and concerns the future of the local environment and community livelihoods.
Residents also argued that the regional government had not fully implemented Law No. 32 of 2009 on Environmental Protection and Management in addressing the dispute.
The situation gradually calmed after Sarolangun Regional Secretary (Sekda) Arief met protesters directly in the rain. Although dialogue took place, demonstrators continued demanding a face-to-face meeting with the regent and insisted on the permanent closure of PT SMM.
Following negotiations that lasted into the evening, the regional government eventually agreed to three demands raised by residents during a meeting at the Sarolangun Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) hall.
The agreement was signed by Regional Secretary Arief and Sarolangun National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) Head Hudri on stamped documents witnessed directly by protesters.
The three agreed points include restrictions on PT SMM’s operating hours, an official meeting between residents and the Sarolangun Regent scheduled for May 19, 2026, and guarantees of protection for protesters from intimidation or threats by outside parties.
Even so, some residents admitted they still doubted the local government’s commitment, arguing that too many promises had previously been made without concrete resolutions to the community’s concerns. (T2)
