Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian Government announced that 3.7 million hectares of problematic palm oil plantations will be reclaimed by the state this year. The government plans to take full ownership of the land as part of a broader crackdown on problematic palm oil plantations.
The decision was announced by Indonesia’s Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid.
Spearheaded by The Palm Oil Task Force led by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the initiative was part of Indonesia’s effort to address these land disputes involving palm oil plantations.
According to the task force’s data, 3.7 million hectares of palm oil plantations overlap with designated forest areas. “The Palm Oil Task Force has identified 3.7 million hectares of plantations that encroach on forested land,” Nusron said in remarks at his office, as reported by Bisnis on Sunday (February 23, 2025).
Probelmatic Palm Oil Plantations
In addition to overlapping forest zones, the task force also found that some palm oil plantations are operating without the required Plantation Business Permit (IUP). Moreover, Nusron revealed that certain plantations lack the necessary Right to Cultivate (HGU) documents.
“The ongoing field mapping is identifying palm oil plantations encroaching on forests, those without IUPs, and those without HGU permits. These lands will be reclaimed by the Republic of Indonesia,” Nusron stated.
So far, authorities have already seized 1.1 million hectares of disputed palm oil plantations. Nusron expressed confidence that the entire 3.7 million hectares could be resolved by the end of the year.
The government will reclaim 3.7 million hectares of problematic palm oil plantations as state property following enforcement actions by the Palm Oil Task Force.
Affected Areas
Nusron also revealed the affected areas of problematic palm oil plantations that may be reclaimed by the government.
“The affected areas are in Kalimantan and Sumatra, including Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan. God willing, we will complete this process this year,” Nusron added.
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The crackdown on these problematic palm oil plantations underscores Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable land management.
By reclaiming disputed land and enforcing stricter regulations, the government aims to ensure legal compliance in the palm oil industry, and promote responsible agricultural practices. This effort is crucial in balancing economic growth with environmental protection, reinforcing Indonesia’s position as a global leader in sustainable palm oil production.
(Raidi/Agung)
