Source of Report

  • Letter dated October 10, 2023 Number 25/MNH-MAM/X/2023 and letter dated October 18, 2023 Number 29/MNH-MAM/X/2023 sent by Dr. Ridwan IR., S.Sos, M.Si.

Issues

  • On October 10 and 18, 2023, Dr. Ridwan IR., S.Sos, M.Si sent letters to the Directorate General of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia and PT Dongin Prabhawa (DP) to request a customary mediation meeting of 17 clans of Maam Village, Ngguti District, Merauke Regency to demand Plasma plantation development rights since 2008 and the 20% distribution which is the obligation of PT DP as a user and cultivator of the customary land (same demands as Grievance Case No. 7) that has not yet been implemented.

Steps taken

  • On October 31, 2023, the Directorate General of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture sent a letter to PT DP to invite PT DP’s management representative to attend a coordination and clarification meeting on November 14, 2023 to follow up on the letter sent by Mr. Ridwan.
  • According to  the Minutes of Meeting Number B-2111/KB.420/E.6/11/2023 on November 14, 2023, a coordination and clarification meeting was held at the Office of the Directorate General of Plantations with the following results:
    • The Directorate General of Plantations had received legality documents from PT DP.
    • The Directorate General of Plantations confirmed that PT DP has completed the compensation of customary land rights to 17 clans in accordance with the IUP area, and the company had handed over area of 5,667.33 ha for plasma to the ISKA Bekai cooperative from the company’s HGU because since 2017 PT DP has committed to no new land development, which is related to NDPE policy.
    • The Directorate General of Plantations confirmed that since November 17, 2022, PT Tritama Lestari has been appointed by the Regent of Merauke as a partner to ISKA Bekai Cooperative. In 2023, PT DP has transferred their rights to plasma land to ISKA Bekai Cooperative.
    • Furthermore, on 4 – 8 December 2023, a follow-up meeting will be held between the Merauke Regency Government at PT DP Office, the Directorate General of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, PT DP Representatives, community parties and other stakeholders for coordination and dissemination of plantation regulations regarding the 20% Plasma Plantation Development Facilitation (FPKM) in Maam Village, Ngguti District, Merauke Regency.
  • Invitation of the Regent of Merauke Number 500.6/3549 dated November 22, 2023 regarding the coordination and dissemination meeting at PT Dongin Prabhawa, Maam Village, Ngguti District, Merauke Regency.
  • On December 5, 2023, a meeting about the development of Plasma plantation in Maam Village, Ngguti District, Merauke Regency was held and was attended by indigenous people of 17 clans as the First Party, and PT DP as the Second Party. It was also attended by the Head of Ngguti District, the Regent of Merauke and the Directorate General of Plantations. All Parties approved the Minutes of Agreement with the following results:
    • On August 19, 2023, the indigenous people of 17 clans and PT DP agreed on the development of Plasma plantations in ISKA BEKAI HGU area based on the HGU certificate Number 00067 covering an area of 5,667.33 ha from the nucleus HGU of 33,544.28 h
    • The indigenous people of 17 clans and PT DP have agreed to the development of community’s Plasma plantations which starts with:
      1. The legalization of community Plasma plantations by PT DP and ISKA BEKAI.
      2. Land clearing (LC) without burning.
      3. Guarantee from the indigenous people of 17 clans and PT DP that there will be no charges or lawsuits from any party, including those on behalf of the indigenous people or those authorized.
      4. If there are still claims or lawsuits, they will be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the applicable laws and regulations.
      5. KSU ISKA BEKAI Plasma plantation is declared an area free of conflict from any party.

Result

  • Based on the Minutes of the Directorate General of Plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Indonesia, and the results of stakeholders meeting on December 5, 2023, ISKA Bekai Cooperative will continue the development of plasma plantations on the HGU plasma area with assistance from PT Tritama Lestari (as directed by the Regent of Merauke).