PALMOILMAGAZINE, PONTIANAK — West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to finding a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict over independent palm oil lands in Melawi Regency, which has recently caused unrest among local communities.
“The provincial government will not allow residents who have long cultivated the land to simply lose it. We will work toward the best possible solution—a win-win outcome—while still adhering to existing regulations,” Ria Norsan said after receiving Melawi Regent Dadi Sunarya Usfa Yursa, along with representatives of independent smallholders and several village heads, at the Governor’s Office in Pontianak on Wednesday.
The meeting followed community protests triggered by the sealing of several palm oil plots by the Forest Area Enforcement Task Force (PKH) under Presidential Regulation No. 5/2025 on Forest Areas. One option under consideration is changing the status of the land from production forest to other land use (APL), which would provide legal certainty for smallholders managing the plantations.
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Melawi Regent Dadi Sunarya noted that the enforcement action has had a serious impact on thousands of independent smallholders. “Farmers feel the policy is unfair because land they have cultivated for decades was suddenly sealed on the grounds that it is part of a forest area. We hope the provincial government can help find the best solution,” he told Palmoilmagazine.com, citing Antara, Sunday (Aug 31, 2025).
Similar concerns were raised by Suhaili, a village head representative from Melawi, who said at least 20 villages in five districts were affected. “The sealing not only halts production but also creates psychological pressure for residents. We urge the government to review Presidential Regulation No. 5/2025 and consider legalizing the land so it is returned to the people, not handed over to concessions,” he emphasized.
With the provincial government’s commitment to supporting affected communities, stakeholders hope an equitable resolution to this agrarian conflict can soon be reached. A fair solution is seen as vital not only to safeguard palm oil productivity in Melawi, but also to secure the economic sustainability of local communities. (P2)
