BP BUMN Chief Urges PTPN to Halt Legal Action Against Elderly Mujiran

The legal case against Mujiran, a 72-year-old from Lampung accused of taking rubber sap from PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN), has drawn public attention and prompted a response from the State-Owned Enterprise Management Agency (BP BUMN). Dony Oskaria, head of BP BUMN and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Danantara, has ordered PTPN to halt all legal proceedings and intimidation against Mujiran.

The case gained widespread attention after details of the dispute went viral on social media. The elderly man reportedly took the rubber sap due to economic pressures to support his family.

Dony stated that criminalising impoverished citizens struggling to survive undermines the fundamental values of state-owned enterprises. “BUMNs are owned by the people, built with public funds, and mandated to maximise benefits for the public. There must be no room for arrogance or mistreatment of citizens by BUMNs,” he said.

In response, Dony issued three directives to PTPN’s board: first, cease all legal actions and intimidation against Mujiran; second, provide adequate social assistance to Mujiran and his family; third, offer suitable employment based on Mujiran’s physical condition or provide work for family members to ensure a decent income. He also personally apologised to Mujiran and his family.

Dony instructed PTPN management, particularly local leaders, to visit Mujiran’s family and deliver an institutional apology. Going forward, BP BUMN and Danantara will use the case as a warning to all BUMN boards, conducting a comprehensive review of asset protection procedures to prioritise humanistic and restorative justice approaches.