PALMOILMAGAZINE, PASANGKAYU — A simple football field in Jengen Raya Village, West Sulawesi, now carries a name rich in meaning: “Salim Mengga Bulu-Bulu Football Field.” More than just a recreational facility, it stands as a lasting symbol of the community’s long struggle and eventual victory in reclaiming their land rights.
After years of battling a land dispute with a palm oil company, the residents of Jengen Raya finally received justice. The conflict, which had cast a shadow over the village for years, reached closure when the local police issued a Letter of Order to Stop Investigation (SP2Lid) on June 20, 2025, officially ending the case filed by the company. For the villagers, this wasn’t just a legal decision—it was a collective sigh of relief.
Faces once burdened by anxiety now beam with smiles. Freed from fear, residents can farm, sleep, and develop their village without the looming threat of eviction from their ancestral lands.
Also Read: Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Highlights Discriminatory Impact of EUDR on Small Farmers
At the heart of this triumph stands a key figure: West Sulawesi Deputy Governor, Major General (Ret.) Salim S. Mengga, affectionately known to the locals as “Puang Sayye.” Salim Mengga didn’t just support from a distance—he came to the ground, mediated discussions, advocated for the villagers, and ensured justice prevailed.
“Had Puang Sayye Salim Mengga not intervened directly, this problem might never have been resolved,” said Jengen Raya Village Head Abdul Rahim, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com via the West Sulawesi Provincial Government, Monday (30 June 2025). He emphasized how deeply the people felt supported by a leader who stood with them, not behind a desk.
As a gesture of gratitude, the village community and local government decided to name their football field after the Deputy Governor. Interestingly, the word “Bulu-Bulu” in the name refers to the hamlet where Abdul Rahim was born, blending local pride with national leadership.
“Why name it ‘Salim Mengga Bulu-Bulu Football Field’? Because I wanted to honor a great leader while also recognizing the place I came from,” Rahim explained.
The swift and decisive action taken by the provincial government, under Governor Suhardi Duka and Deputy Governor Salim Mengga, is seen as a strong commitment to social justice, particularly in areas affected by palm oil industry expansion.
Local residents also extended their gratitude to law enforcement officials from West Sulawesi Police (Polda Sulbar) for their role in clarifying the legal status of the land. The decision to halt the investigation reaffirmed that the state is present and responsive to citizens’ needs, not merely a bystander.
The Jengen Raya case has become a shining example of how land disputes can be resolved through dialogue, truth, and people-centered leadership. In the midst of intense investment pressures, this small rural village has demonstrated that a united voice, when heard, can reshape local history.
Today, the football field bearing a new name serves not only as a sports venue but as a monument to struggle, a symbol of justice, and a reminder that leadership grounded in the people leaves a lasting legacy, both in hearts and on the land. (P2)
