PALMOILMAGAZINE, JAKARTA – The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) play a crucial role in the government’s efforts to regulate illegal oil palm plantations through the Forest Area Regulation Task Force (Satgas PKH). This initiative aligns with Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No. 5 of 2025 on forest area enforcement, signed by President Prabowo Subianto on January 21, 2025.
Led by Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Satgas PKH has taken decisive action against illegal plantations. One significant measure was the confiscation of 5,764 hectares of land owned by PT Johan Sentosa (Duta Palma Group) in Pasir Sialang Village, Bangkinang Kota District, Kampar Regency, Riau. This move aims to restore state assets and enforce legal regulations on unlawful land occupation within forest areas.
According to Stepi Anriani, Director of Intelligence & National Security Studies, Satgas PKH has also cracked down on 27 illegal palm oil companies operating without proper permits in Riau’s regions, including Kampar, Rokan Hulu, Kuantan Singingi, Pelalawan, Indragiri Hulu, and Indragiri Hilir.
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As part of Satgas PKH, the TNI plays a vital role in supporting law enforcement operations. Under Article 7(2) of Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian Armed Forces, the military has the authority to engage in Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), including maintaining public order and upholding the law in affected areas.
“The TNI assists the police and the Attorney General’s Office in enforcing regulations on illegal oil palm plantations. Their presence not only expedites legal proceedings but also prevents resistance from vested interests involved in illegal activities,” Stepi said, as quoted by Palmoilmagazine.com from Media Indonesia on Tuesday (March 11, 2025).
Beyond security enforcement, the TNI also plays a role in restoring and rehabilitating forest areas after plantation shutdowns. Cleared land must be returned to its designated function as forest areas or allocated for controlled palm oil replanting programs. The TNI contributes to security measures and coordinates reforestation efforts to restore degraded ecosystems.
“The involvement of the TNI in Satgas PKH is a key element in eradicating illegal plantations that have caused significant losses to the state and the environment. With collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and palm oil farmers, Indonesia’s palm oil industry can grow sustainably without compromising ecological balance,” he concluded. (P2)
