PALMOILMAGAZINE, SIWALALAT – Three plantation companies specializing in palm oil and sugarcane are set to begin operations in Siwalalat District, East Seram Regency (SBT), Maluku. However, local residents are expressing concerns based on past negative experiences with previous companies.
The companies include PT. Fisqa Mulia Maha Karya as the parent company, along with two subsidiaries. They plan to develop 250,000 hectares of land for plantations. While this promises economic opportunities, locals fear the environmental and social impacts of large-scale plantation activities.
These concerns were voiced during a working visit by the Commission I of the SBT Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to Siwalalat on Saturday (March 8, 2025). Commission I Chairman Abdul Aziz Yanlua responded by stating that he would urge the local government to reconsider the companies’ entry.
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“As the commission chairman, I will call on the local government to reassess the presence of these companies in Siwalalat,” Yanlua said, as reported by KBRN RRI on Monday (March 10, 2025).
According to Yanlua, a politician from PDI Perjuangan, there are concerns that the companies will exploit community-owned production forests. Additionally, potential land disputes could escalate into social conflicts.
Aside from the plantation issue, the DPRD Commission I visit also uncovered other challenges in the district. One major issue is the lack of civil servants (ASN), which has resulted in inefficient government services. Several key administrative positions remain vacant due to staff shortages.
Residents also urged the SBT Regency Government to schedule Village Head Elections (Pilkades). They believe having definitive village leadership is crucial for better governance and effective budget management.
“We have taken note of all the residents’ concerns. The shortage of civil servants and vacant government positions are affecting public services. We will also push the local government to hold village elections to improve budget management,” Yanlua stated.
With multiple issues emerging from this visit, Siwalalat residents are calling on the regional government to take concrete action, especially in addressing the controversial plantation projects. (P2)
