Special Task Force Sifts Through Remaining Files for Lapindo Mudflow Compensation

The Sidoarjo Mud Control Centre (PPLS) has officially facilitated mediation between representatives of the Lapindo mud victims and PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya to break the deadlock in the compensation process that has persisted for years. This strategic meeting was led directly by the Head of PPLS, Darwis Daraba, at the PPLS office in Gayung Kebonsari, Surabaya, on Thursday (4/6/2026).

This mediation step was taken to conduct thorough data verification and identify the root administrative issues hindering the realisation of payments for residents’ land. The government hopes this meeting will serve as a bridge to resolve overlapping information and document discrepancies that have been the primary obstacles.

The Head of the Specific Vertical Working Unit of PPLS, Willem S, stated that all parties are now involved in a Special Task Force (Satgas) formed by the Sidoarjo Regency Government. This task force functions as a neutral mediator to thoroughly examine administrative hurdles, both from the community’s side and within company documentation.

“Within the Task Force, everything will be re-verified. We are looking into why these issues have remained unresolved. As mediators between these two parties, we must sit down together,” said Willem. He emphasised that data alignment will refer to official documents from the National Land Agency (BPN) and minutes of meetings that possess strong legal legitimacy.

The Chairman of the Sidoarjo Lapindo Victim Communication Forum (FKKLS), Akhmad Basuni, revealed that the main obstacle is triggered by disagreements over values and discrepancies in documents regarding files that have been audited by the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP). According to FKKLS records, 41 files remain pending out of the initial 84 files that were audited.

However, the President Director of PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya, Bambang Prasetyo Widodo (Wiwid), clarified this data. He asserted that the remaining unpaid files currently number only 35, with a total value of under Rp11 billion.

Wiwid also questioned the past performance of the Sidoarjo Mud Management Agency (BPLS), the predecessor to PPLS. According to him, Lapindo once requested a state budget (APBN) bridge fund of Rp773 billion, yet there was an unabsorbed remainder of Rp54 billion, even though there were 84 unpaid files at that time.