PALMOILMAGAZINE, KOTIM – The Indonesian Ombudsman conducted a field inspection of several palm oil plantations in Kotawaringin Timur Regency on Friday, August 23, 2024, as part of a systemic study to address mal-administration in the palm oil industry.
Yunan Nasution, Chairman of the NGO Duta Sampit and member of Apkasindo Kotim, welcomed the Ombudsman’s efforts to evaluate regulatory implementation in the region.
He noted that many smallholders have raised concerns about issues such as forest area release and the accuracy of fresh fruit bunch (FFB) scales. According to the legal metrology unit’s findings, the scales lacked proper seals, raising concerns about their accuracy.
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“We hope that by the findings, the mills that purchased FFB from the smallholders should confirm that the scale operates in standards,” Nasution said to a Palmoilmagazine.com, Monday (26/8/2025).
Meanwhile, Regency of Kotim got palm oil profit sharing about Rp 46 bilion in 2023. The fund should be used to increase the companies’ infrastructures and develop people’s economy out of the companies’ concession areas.
One project to be realized is by constructing way from Jalan Jendral Sudirman Km 62 in Village of Pondok Damar heading to Bagendang Port in Village of Bagendang Hulu.
“It would be a strategic construction to develop the economy in some villages and would minimize the crowded on Jalan H. M. Arsyad heading to Bagendang Port,” Nasution said.
The regency should take advantages on the fund from the central government to reinforce connectivity and economic progress in the region. (P2)
