PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Indonesian government continues its efforts to crack down on illegal oil palm plantations within conservation zones, though field operations face mounting challenges. Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni revealed that certain plantation companies have been disguising their operations under the names of local residents—particularly in conservation areas like Tesso Nilo National Park (TNTN) in Riau.
Speaking at a recent working meeting with Commission IV of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in Jakarta, the minister emphasized that the Forest Area Structuring Task Force (Satgas PKH), which includes the Ministry of Forestry, is actively conducting verification and inventory of forest area usage, including illegal palm plantations.
“There are technical hurdles in the field because these corporations are using tactics where they operate under the guise of local communities,” Raja Juli stated, as quoted from Antara via Palmoilmagazine.com, Friday (July 11, 2025).
He explained that many palm oil plantations, though managed by corporations, are registered under individual citizens’ names, creating the false impression that the land belongs to smallholders. In reality, large companies are pulling the strings behind the scenes.
“Verification isn’t simple, especially in Tesso Nilo. Data from law enforcement agencies within the task force shows that many of these lands actually belong to corporations, even though they appear to be managed by locals,” he added.
These nominal landowners are often plantation workers, whose names are used to shield corporate activities. The harvested palm fruit is then sold to companies—even when these operations occur in protected conservation zones.
To handle this complex situation, the government is taking a soft power approach to avoid social conflict. One of the measures includes offering voluntary relocation for residents willing to vacate conservation areas.
“For affected communities, we encourage self-relocation. However, the government is also preparing designated relocation lands,” Raja Juli said.
The Relocation Acceleration Team (TP4) for Tesso Nilo, established by the Governor of Riau, is currently preparing these sites. The team is tasked with designing the relocation plan, securing alternative land, outlining social support schemes, and overseeing the relocation process through mutual agreements.
Meanwhile, the restoration of conservation functions continues. The Forestry Minister reported that several parties have voluntarily handed over their illegal plantations to the government. In some cases, the government has even destroyed illegal plantations.
“On June 29, 2025, we destroyed 401 hectares of illegal plantations. Another 311 hectares were cleared on July 2, 2025,” he confirmed.
These efforts are part of the government’s broader agenda to restore conservation areas, improve forest governance, and eliminate unlawful plantation practices. With accurate verification and collaborative approaches, the government hopes to resolve land conflicts in areas like Tesso Nilo without compromising community rights or environmental sustainability.
“This can’t be solved overnight, but we are making progress. National parks are no place for palm plantations, and the law must be enforced without exception,” Raja Juli concluded. (P2)
