PALMOILMAGAZINE, PALANGKA RAYA — Siti Nafsiah, Chair of Commission II of the Central Kalimantan Regional Legislative Council (DPRD), stated that her office has not yet received official information from the provincial government or related agencies regarding the recent seizure of hundreds of hectares of oil palm plantations by Task Force Garuda. So far, the DPRD has only learned of the operation through media reports.
“Nevertheless, we view this move as a sign of the central government’s commitment to improving natural resource governance, particularly in the palm oil plantation sector,” Nafsiah said, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com via Antara on Thursday (April 17, 2025).
The land seizures carried out by Task Force Garuda are based on Presidential Regulation No. 5 of 2025 on Forest Area Structuring, and Minister of Forestry Decree No. 36 of 2025. These regulations grant the government authority to take action against large private companies operating in forest areas without legal permits.
Nafsiah emphasized that the DPRD will coordinate with the provincial government and related agencies to ensure transparency and consistency in law enforcement. “There must be no selective enforcement,” stressed the Golkar Party politician.
She asserted that any company found violating the law must be sanctioned accordingly. However, she also cautioned that enforcement efforts should not harm local communities—particularly workers and smallholder farmers whose livelihoods depend on palm oil.
“We hope the regional government will support this enforcement initiative while also providing solutions for affected communities,” she added.
Nafsiah further advised all palm oil companies in Central Kalimantan to immediately review and secure the legality of their operations. “Any company still operating in forest areas without proper permits must resolve their legal status in accordance with existing regulations,” she stated.
Finally, the Central Kalimantan DPRD is urging the provincial government, through its relevant agencies, to strengthen supervision and guidance within the plantation sector, ensuring that natural resource management is lawful and equitable for all stakeholders. (P2)
