PALMOILMAGAZINE, SAMBAS – Damage and fire occurred at the PT Wana Hijau Semesta (WHS) palm oil mill in Sebunga Village, Sajingan Besar Subdistrict, Sambas Regency. This incident, which is the second of its kind in the past month, has raised concerns among local stakeholders.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, around 11:00 WIB, a group of approximately 100 people vandalized and set fire to the company’s assets. This may be linked to a circular issued by PT Alfa Ledo & Affiliates to local palm oil mills, advising them not to purchase stolen fresh fruit bunches (FFB).
Donny Aribowo, a witness and human resource development officer at PT Alfa Ledo & Affiliates, reported that the attack was swift, forcing workers to evacuate to ensure their safety. “The assailants targeted our office due to the FFB issue. We had to leave the office as they damaged the interior,” Donny said, as reported by Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday, August 30, 2024.
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The circular from PT Alfa Ledo & Affiliates, addressing concerns about stolen FFB and its impact on operations, may have triggered the attack. Despite some arrests and legal action against the thieves, these measures have not been sufficient to prevent further incidents.
He also hoped the legal officers would firmly act to every FFB thief and the damage. “We hope the legal officers would serve the justice and business in the Regency of Sambas would be safer, more conducive because of the certainty of legal,” Donny said.
The same also happened on Wednesday, 23 July 2024 at the same location. At the time, PT Wana Hijau Semesta got big losses for the workers’ housing and mass were broken. Many expensive things were stolen. The total loss could be about IDR 70 million.
The company reported the two incidents to West Kalimantan Police and the latest one was registered on Report Document Number: STTLP/B/235/VII/2024/SPKT/Polda Kalimantan Barat. It is hoped the case would be immediately and seriously investigated by the authority. (P2)
