Bahlil: Build Masela Without Forgetting the Birthright of the Tanimbar People
“We want a project of this magnitude to be built without forgetting the ulip rights of the communities in the Tanimbar Islands.”
Tanimbar, Maluku (ANTARA) - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Bahlil Lahadalia has asked that the development of the Abadi LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project in the Masela Working Area not overlook the ulip rights of the communities of Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku.
“We want a project of this magnitude to be built without forgetting the ulip rights of the communities in the Tanimbar Islands,” said Bahlil at the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Abadi Masela LNG National Strategic Project, held in Tanimbar, Maluku, on Thursday.
Bahlil said that although the land used for the Masela project is classified as forest area, the people of the Tanimbar Islands have cultivated that land for generations.
They also have their own way of managing land, different from other regions that prioritise land certificates in land management.
“They say, ‘you own from that coconut tree to that tree’. Certificates — there were no certificates in the past, unlike in Java. That is why I have asked the Minister of Agrarian Affairs to be involved as well, so that local wisdom is understood,” said Bahlil.
Therefore, he continued, the policy adopted by the government is to provide compensation for crops and cultivation for gardens affected by the Abadi Masela National Strategic Project.
“That is why we will ask for directions from the President so that they are given compensation. Not merely compensation, but profit replacement, to be used as best as possible,” said Bahlil.
Regarding the compensation scheme, Bahlil divided it into three classifications. The first classification is compensation for land owned by communities that has been cultivated for generations.
The second classification is land originally managed by one family but sold to someone who is a local resident.
The third classification concerns people who sold their land to others just as the Masela LNG project was about to be developed.
“I have already asked SKK Migas to treat these differently. We must not allow ulip rights to be sold to those who do not hold ulip rights,” said Bahlil.
He emphasised that investment entering the region is indeed important. However, Bahlil continued, it is far more important how that investment contributes best to the welfare of the community.
“Our view is that investment coming in is important, but far more important is how the investment contributes best to the welfare of the communities in the areas where the investment is made, and to the nation, the people, and the Indonesian state,” said Bahlil.
The Abadi LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) project in the Masela Working Area is a natural gas development project designated as one of Indonesia’s National Strategic Projects (PSN) in the energy sector, operated by INPEX Corporation through its subsidiary, INPEX Masela, Ltd.