PALMOILMAGAZINE, SUBULUSSALAM – Allegations of pollution in the Rikit River, reportedly caused by palm oil waste from PT Mandiri Sawit Bersama’s (MSB) mill in Namo Buaya Village, Sultan Daulat District, Subulussalam City, have raised public concern. However, the response from the Subulussalam City Government, particularly its Environment and Forestry Agency (DLHK), has left many questioning the seriousness of their commitment to environmental protection.
The Aceh People’s Advocacy Foundation (YARA) had submitted a public information request on April 11, 2025, seeking greater transparency and environmental safeguarding. In response, the Subulussalam Public Information and Documentation Officer (PPID) issued a letter, No. 500.12.18.1/100/2025, stating that DLHK had not conducted any laboratory tests on the Rikit River’s water.
According to Abdul Rahman Ali, Head of the DLHK Subulussalam, three field inspections carried out on March 10, 11, and 18, 2025, found no indications of pollution. The inspections relied solely on visual and organoleptic assessments—observing water clarity, odor, and color changes—without collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
BACA JUGA: WTO Ruling and the Momentum to Strengthen Sustainable Palm Oil Standards
“The river water appeared clear, odorless, and showed no signs of pollution such as oil films or dead aquatic organisms,” Abdul Rahman wrote in the official letter.
However, his statement has sparked criticism from residents and environmental activists. Edi Syahputra, Head of YARA’s Subulussalam Branch, expressed disappointment over DLHK’s perceived negligence toward community concerns.
“Visual assessments are simply not enough. If there truly is no pollution, why hesitate to conduct laboratory tests? This is about protecting the environment and public health,” Edi told Palmoilmagazine.com on Friday (April 18).
He added that residents of Rikit Hamlet had previously staged a protest demanding clarification over the suspected contamination of the Rikit River, believed to stem from PT MSB’s waste ponds. Unfortunately, their concerns have yet to be addressed through scientific investigation.
Residents of Namo Buaya Village are now calling on the government not to turn a blind eye to the potential environmental damage caused by palm oil operations. They are demanding independent laboratory testing to ensure the safety and sustainability of their environment.
As of this report’s publication, PT MSB has not issued an official statement regarding the pollution allegations.
(*)
Reported by: Nukman Suryadi Angkat
