East Java HMI Highlights Alleged Land Monopoly in Sampang, Urges DPR Commission VI Evaluation

The East Java Coordinating Board of the Islamic Students’ Association (BADKO HMI) has highlighted alleged monopolistic practices in the management of land owned by PT Garam in Sampang Regency. The student organisation insists the matter must be taken seriously as it concerns the management of state assets, which should be conducted transparently, accountably, and in accordance with applicable legal provisions. The statement was delivered by the General Chairman of BADKO HMI East Java, M. Yusfan Firdaus, on Friday, 17 July 2026. According to him, if the allegation is proven, the situation could potentially conflict with the principles of Good Corporate Governance (GCG). Yusfan stressed that all processes of utilisation and cooperation in managing PT Garam’s land must be carried out openly and provide equal opportunities to the public and parties who meet the requirements according to regulations. ‘We request that all management processes and cooperation for the utilisation of PT Garam’s land be conducted openly and fairly, and that the land be managed directly by PT Garam to achieve national salt self-sufficiency,’ said Yusfan. He believes transparency is key to preventing alleged monopolistic practices and abuse of authority in managing state-owned assets. BADKO HMI East Java also urged Commission VI of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) to exercise its oversight function over PT Garam by seeking clarification and explanations from the board of directors regarding the governance of land management in the Sampang area. Furthermore, the organisation requested a comprehensive evaluation if any alleged irregularities are found in the management of the state-owned company’s assets. ‘We ask DPR RI Commission VI to take firm steps through its oversight function. If there are violations or governance that does not comply with the rules, then an evaluation of the entire board of directors must be carried out based on objective and transparent examination results,’ Yusfan asserted. BADKO HMI considers the DPR RI’s oversight function crucial to ensuring all of PT Garam’s activities adhere to the principles of professionalism and accountability, and do not create inequality in the utilisation of state assets. Yusfan also encouraged law enforcement officials and authorised supervisory bodies to conduct an independent audit and investigation into the alleged monopoly.