Clash at OKI Palm Oil Plantation Leaves One Dead, Two Injured

A clash occurred in the palm oil plantation area owned by a company in Lempuing District, Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI), South Sumatra, on Tuesday (23/6) afternoon. A resident identified as A (25) died, and two residents identified as M (43) and 2 (50) suffered gunshot wounds in the confrontation. In addition to the two injured residents, a police officer was also hurt during the clash.

According to detikcom, the disturbance was allegedly triggered by the theft of palm fruit. The incident began when a joint security team from the South Sumatra Regional Police and the OKI Resort Police secured 11 motorcycles and 1 pickup truck loaded with fresh fruit bunches (TBS) suspected to have been stolen from the company.

During the securing process, approximately 100 residents arrived. They attempted to reclaim the vehicles and the palm fruit cargo that had been seized by officers. Before the clash broke out, a dialogue took place between the authorities and the residents. As a result, the officers returned the previously secured vehicles to the residents, while the disputed palm fruit was handed over to the company.

However, as the officers were about to leave the location, residents allegedly vandalised the vehicle the officers were travelling in, leading to the disturbance. Amid the chaos and tension, sounds of gunfire were heard. Consequently, two people suffered gunshot wounds and were immediately taken to hospital. The source of the gunfire remains unknown.

During the clash, a number of residents allegedly also set fire to the office and employee barracks of the palm oil company. In that incident, one person died, suspected of being electrocuted while committing the arson.

“A resident was electrocuted while setting the fire and suffered burns, resulting in death. There was also one OKI Resort Police officer injured while securing the crime scene. Yes, there are 2 residents who were shot, and this is still under investigation,” said South Sumatra Police Public Relations Subdivision Head for Public Information, Kompol Putu Suryawan, on Wednesday (24/6).

Meanwhile, OKI Resort Police Chief AKBP Eko Rubiyanto stated that the situation at the scene is now conducive. He said the police’s main focus is currently on serving the community, restoring the security situation, and objectively uncovering the facts.

“Alhamdulillah, the situation was quickly brought under control. Our priority is to ensure that residents in need of assistance receive the best possible care,” he said. Security has now been reinforced with additional personnel from criminal investigation units, the Professional and Security Division (Propam), and the South Sumatra Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) unit. This measure is being taken to ensure the situation remains safe while supporting the comprehensive fact-finding and investigation process.

“Furthermore, the entire series of events will be investigated professionally, objectively, and transparently in accordance with applicable regulations,” he stated.