PALMOILMAGAZINE, CIREBON — The discovery of oil palm plantations inside a forest area in Cigobang Village, Pasaleman District, Cirebon Regency, West Java, has triggered widespread public concern. The plantations are estimated to have encroached on around four hectares of protected green space, unsettling local communities who fear long-term environmental damage.
Head of the West Java Plantation Agency, Gandjar Yudniarsa, said the oil palm planting activity in Cirebon had only begun about three months ago and was never reported to relevant local authorities.
“The presence of oil palm plantations has sparked controversy because it does not align with West Java’s regional characteristics and has made surrounding communities feel threatened,” Gandjar said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Tribun Jabar on Tuesday (30/12/2025).
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In response, West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi has officially issued a circular letter regulating oil palm cultivation across the province. A key provision in the policy is a total ban on new oil palm planting throughout West Java.
The ban applies to all parties, including individual landowners, business entities, and other stakeholders. According to the provincial government, the policy is intended to safeguard natural resources and ensure long-term environmental sustainability in West Java.
The same circular also sets out measures for oil palm plantations that are already in place. Existing areas are required to undergo a gradual crop conversion to alternative commodities that are considered regional or provincial priorities, in line with local agroecological conditions and environmental carrying capacity. The conversion process must support soil and water conservation efforts and reduce the risk of environmental degradation.
Provincial authorities have instructed district and municipal governments to inventory and map oil palm plantation areas in their respective regions, provide guidance and assistance to farmers and business operators, and integrate the policy into local development planning. The transition process must also take into account the economic sustainability of local communities and avoid adverse social impacts.
Cigobang Residents Push Back
In Cigobang Village, oil palm trees have reportedly been planted over the past four months on hilly terrain at an elevation of around 28 meters above sea level. The trees, spaced roughly six meters apart, are spread across slopes that were previously part of an intact forest ecosystem.
The development has been met with strong resistance from residents, who fear that converting forest land into oil palm plantations will worsen groundwater conditions. Cigobang Village is already known as an area prone to water shortages.
Sara (55), a local resident, said she was deeply concerned about the presence of oil palm plantations in her village, warning that the long-term impacts would be borne by the community.
“If this ends up harming the people, especially our children and grandchildren, then what future are we leaving them?” she said after inspecting the plantation site on Thursday (25/12/2025) afternoon.
Residents are urging the government to take firm action to restore the forest area in Cigobang Village to its original function and prevent it from being sacrificed for short-term interests. (P2)
