PALMOILMAGAZINE, PALANGKA RAYA — Palm oil plantation issues in Seruyan Regency have once again come under the spotlight. Rahmanudin, a member of the Central Kalimantan Provincial Legislative Council (DPRD) representing Electoral District II, noted that persistent problems in the sector continue to hinder both regional revenue (PAD) growth and community welfare.
Speaking at a recent media gathering at the Isen Mulang Palace in Palangka Raya, Rahmanudin highlighted that local tax collection from major private plantation companies (PBS) remains suboptimal. At the same time, smallholders whose land is located within Production Forest (HP) zones face limited access to quality seedlings — a challenge that could suppress productivity and delay large-scale harvests.
“I hope Production Forest areas can be released for the benefit of Seruyan’s people,” he said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from KBRN RRI on Thursday (Aug 14, 2025).
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Responding to these concerns, Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran voiced support for finding collaborative solutions. “Different perspectives provide valuable input for us to resolve together,” he remarked.
Seruyan is widely known as one of the regions with the highest levels of plantation-related disputes. Issues range from overlapping land claims, plantation areas exceeding licensed boundaries, land clearing beyond Hak Guna Usaha (HGU) permits, to companies operating entirely without HGU.
Labor welfare also remains a critical concern, including district minimum wages that fall below legal requirements and limited access to occupational health and labor protections.
Ironically, Seruyan was designated as a model plantation region back in 2015. Yet, land legality issues — affecting independent farmers, local communities, and even companies — continue to persist to this day. (P2)
