Without Buffer Zone, Residents' Sago Gardens Affected by Land Clearing

The controversy surrounding allegations of sago land seizure belonging to residents of Pekaka Village, East Lingga Subdistrict, Lingga Regency, continues to unfold. Field inspections have revealed that the land clearing activities conducted by the company have also impacted the community’s sago gardens.

The Head of the Agriculture and Food Security Office of Lingga Regency, Said Hendri, stated that his office had conducted direct checks following the circulation of information and videos related to the incident.

“Regarding the circulating video and information, we have carried out direct checks in the field,” he said on Friday (3/4).

The inspection results found impacts from land clearing activities at several points, namely blocks E46, E47, F46, and F50. Eleven residents were reported affected, with an estimated land area of around 2 hectares per person.

According to Said Hendri, the residents’ sago land is scattered in small spots, thus also affected during the land opening process.

“The sago land is scattered in small spots, so it was also impacted,” he said.

He also revealed that the company did not implement a buffer zone or protection area around the residents’ garden areas, which should serve as a barrier to prevent damage.

“This incident was triggered by several factors such as weak field supervision, miscommunication between management and contractors, and incomplete community land data at the village level,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the company, through the Regional General Director of CAA Group which oversees PT Citra Sugi Aditya (CSA), Guarman, denied any element of intent in the incident.

“This incident was not intentional. The contractor only passed through the sago garden and trampled on newly grown plants,” he said.

He added that the company has taken resolution steps by providing compensation to the affected residents.

“We will provide compensation to the garden owners and they have agreed to it,” he said.

On the other hand, residents of Pekaka Village continue to demand accountability for the damage that occurred. One village youth, Bustami, viewed the action as a form of land seizure.

“Residents’ sago gardens were cleared without permission for palm oil plantation interests. We demand the company take responsibility,” he asserted.

As an interim handling measure, the local government has halted land clearing activities in the affected area while awaiting further resolution.