BP BUMN Head Rebukes PTPN Over Elderly Mujiran Case, Orders Job Provision

Head of the BUMN Regulatory Body (BP BUMN) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Danantara, Dony Oskaria, has reprimanded PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) management over the case of elderly Mujiran in Lampung. Dony condemned the legal proceedings against Mujiran for collecting leftover rubber sap from PTPN’s plantation, stating that criminalising a vulnerable individual contradicts the core principles of state-owned enterprises. “I strongly condemn the reporting and criminalisation of ordinary citizens, especially an elderly person like Kakek Mujiran. State-owned enterprises belong to the people, built with public funds, and mandated to maximise benefits for the public. There must be no room for arrogance or such treatment of citizens,” Dony stated in a written statement on Sunday (24 May 2026). He instructed PTPN’s management to immediately withdraw the complaint, halt all legal processes or intimidation against Mujiran, and personally apologise on behalf of BP BUMN. Dony also directed local PTPN leadership to meet Mujiran and his family to deliver an institutional apology. “As Head of BP BUMN, I apologise to Kakek Mujiran and his family. I reiterate that state-owned enterprises belong to the people and are funded by public money,” he said. Additional instructions include providing adequate social assistance and offering suitable employment to Mujiran or his family members to ensure a stable income. “We must resolve welfare issues through guidance, not criminal prosecution. I have ordered that Kakek Mujiran or his family be given work within PTPN. State-owned enterprises must act as a protective solution, not a tool to imprison struggling citizens,” Dony added. BP BUMN and Danantara will treat this case as a red flag for all Indonesian BUMN directors. A comprehensive review of asset protection Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be conducted to prioritise humanistic and restorative justice approaches. “BUMNs must operate in line with their mandate: to serve and work for the people,” Dony concluded.