DPD Chairman backs Riau Police in action against environmental-damaging corporations

The Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) supports government law enforcement efforts, both through the PKH Task Force and by law enforcement agencies, against the business activities of palm oil companies that lead to ecological damage in regional areas, Sultan told reporters on Friday, 22 May 2026. He recalled the floods that hit the northern region of Sumatra at the end of 2025. He warned such events must not recur: “We have experienced major floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as well as in many other areas. Therefore, strict law enforcement is needed so that such events do not occur in the future.” He added that drainage channels must be protected from environmental pollution, urging business actors to observe the governance of palm oil plantations: “And functionally, rivers are drainage channels when rainfall increases. Therefore all parties—government, business, and the public—share the same responsibility to maintain the carrying capacity of river basins.” He continued, “We encourage palm oil operators to observe and adhere to the Minister of Agriculture Regulation on Sustainable Palm Oil Plantation Governance in Indonesia (ISPO).” Earlier, the Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) charged PT Musim Mas as a corporate suspect in a case of alleged environmental damage. The practice was accused of tainting the banks of the Air Hitam River — a tributary of the Nilo — with palm oil plantations along the banks. The case was disclosed after police received a complaint from the Indonesia Environment Care Association (APLI) Riau in December 2025. APLI reported plantations were located only 2–5 metres from the riverbank. The Directorate of Special Crimes (Reskrimsus) at Polda Riau subsequently conducted an in-depth investigation. After a lengthy inquiry, Polda Riau named PT Musim Mas as a corporate suspect in the case of alleged environmental damage. Police noted ecological damages resulting from palm oil planting along the river within Estate IV Division F of PT Musim Mas, Air Hitam Village, Ukui Sub-district, Pelalawan Regency. Not only environmental damage, PT Musim Mas was also found not to have considered the environmental impact assessment arising from palm oil planting along the riverbank. Riau Police Chief Inspector General Herry Heryawan is fully committed to taking decisive action against individuals or corporations proven to damage and plant palm oil on riverbanks. This firm step is a response to the growing damage to river ecosystems caused by illegal land expansion that disregards environmental regulations. The Police Chief stressed that the riverbank area is a protected zone vital for preserving water, preventing erosion, and reducing flood risk. “We will not show favouritism. If a corporation dares to plant palm oil up to the riverbank and damage the watershed, we will sanction them strictly under the applicable law,” said Inspector General Herry Heryawan in a statement, Saturday (17/5).