Musim Mas Responds to Corporate Suspect Status in Environmental Damage Case
In a written statement, the Communications Lead for Musim Mas Group, Reza Rinaldi Mardja, stated that all operational activities conducted to date have obtained official permits and operate within the legal framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
“Referring to media reports on Monday, 18 May 2026, PT Musim Mas possesses all necessary permits in accordance with applicable laws,” said Reza on Tuesday (19/5/2026). The Musim Mas side also claimed to have conducted conservation studies since 2007 in an effort to protect the environment, including along river buffers.
“Musim Mas has proactively conducted High Conservation Value studies since 2007 to maintain environmental sustainability, protection, and enrichment along river buffers, involving local governments, communities, and other stakeholders,” he explained. Nevertheless, PT Musim Mas respects the ongoing legal process at the Riau Regional Police (Polda Riau) and has expressed readiness to be cooperative.
“The company respects and supports the ongoing legal process and will remain cooperative through every stage, including providing statements, submitting data and evidence, as well as comprehensive implementation analysis in accordance with applicable regulations,” he concluded.
Previously, the Special Criminal Investigation Directorate (Ditreskrimsus) of the Riau Regional Police designated PT Musim Mas as a corporate suspect in a case involving alleged environmental crimes related to palm oil plantation activities in the buffer zone of the Air Hitam River, a tributary of the Nilo River, in Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency.
Riau Regional Police Commissioner Kombes Ade Kuncoro Wahyu stated that the suspect designation was decided following a case review after a lengthy investigation lasting approximately four months. The designation was based on strong evidence supported by Scientific Crime Investigation (SCI) analysis involving eight experts—including experts in measurement and mapping, forest areas, water resources, soil and environmental damage, environment, cooperative boundaries, and criminal law—as well as the examination of 13 witnesses.
“Therefore, we have concluded that PT MM’s status is warranted to be elevated to a corporate suspect,” said Kombes Ade Kuncoro on Monday (18/5).
Regarding the case, PT MM faces charges under Article 98 paragraph (1) juncto Article 99 paragraph (1) juncto Article 116 of Law Number 32 of 2009 concerning Environmental Protection and Management regarding corporate criminal liability, carrying a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a maximum fine of Rp10 billion.
Kombes Ade Kuncoro revealed that the palm oil plantation managed by PT Musim Mas, specifically at Estate IV Division F PT MM, Air Hitam Village, Ukui District, Pelalawan Regency, has been operational since 1997-1998. The palm oil plants in that location began their production phase in 2002 and are said to have continued to generate economic profit for the company for approximately 22 years.
“The company allegedly obtained profits from palm oil cultivation activities conducted in the river buffer zone. This was not a momentary activity, but one that has persisted over a long period,” said Ade.
Based on expert calculations, the management of palm oil in the river buffer area has the potential to cause ecological losses amounting to billions of rupiah. “The potential ecological loss due to this environmental damage reaches Rp 187,863,860,000 (one hundred eighty-seven billion, eight hundred sixty-three million, eight hundred sixty thousand rupiah),” he noted.