Task Force Urged to Take Firm Action on Case of Forest Converted into Thousands of Hectares of Palm Oil Plantation in Riau

Pekanbaru – The civil society organisation Amanah Rakyat Indonesia (Amatir) has urged the Forest Area Control Task Force (Satgas PKH) to take immediate and firm action against PT Berkat Satu, which is accused of failing to comply with administrative sanctions for opening a plantation on state forest land spanning 1,383.92 hectares in Sontang and Pauh villages, Bonai Darussalam district, Rokan Hulu regency, Riau.

The demand was voiced by the general chairman of LSM Amatir, Nardo Pasaribu. According to him, the law enforcement steps already taken by Satgas PKH are appropriate, but the execution process and subsequent legal actions are deemed not yet optimal.

“We urge Satgas PKH to immediately seize or execute the land in question, including processing the alleged criminal violations committed by PT BS,” Nardo stated, as quoted on Thursday, 30 April 2026.

He also requested that Satgas PKH investigate the alleged money laundering offence (TPPU) suspected to be related to the proceeds from managing the illegal plantation in the state forest area.

According to Nardo, the company is believed to have gained substantial profits since the forest area was converted into a palm oil plantation in 2018. This situation is said to have the potential to harm the national economy.

In addition to land seizure, LSM Amatir also demands that Satgas PKH seize all assets of PT Berkat Satu, including the company’s Palm Oil Mill (PKS), and block the company’s bank accounts if criminal elements are found.

“The task force must seize all assets of PT BS, including the land, PKS, block the company’s accounts, and prosecute the company’s top leadership,” he emphasised.

Previously, Satgas PKH had imposed administrative sanctions on PT Berkat Satu for illegally opening a plantation in the forest area of Sontang and Pauh villages. In that decision, the company was required to pay a fine of more than Rp88.6 billion to the state.

However, to date, PT Berkat Satu is said to have not fulfilled its obligation to pay the administrative fine.