Violence and destruction of tropical forests in Indonesia for paper

The paper industry in Indonesia will shy away from violence and rainforest destruction is not reset. Three Indonesian villagers had their resistance to acacia plantations of a subsidiary company of the APRIL Group now pay with his life.
Dede Kunaifi reports of the Indonesian environmental organization Kabut, at the invitation of ROBIN WOOD is currently traveling through Germany. Moreover Kunaifi warns that APRIL on the Kampar Peninsula in Sumatra further 45,000 hectares of tropical forests for new plantations destroying - with fatal consequences for small farmers and the natural environment in Indonesia, as well as for the global climate. He appeals to the customers in Europe, to renounce Indonesian paper. Copy paper from APRIL, in Germany from the wholesaler Papierunion under the brand name "Paper One" displaced.
Three killed, 16 injured and seven prisoners, that is the sad record of the village in Sumatra Tangun. The people there are fighting for 1,000 hectares of arable land, which is a subsidiary of APRIL (Asian Pacific Resources International Limited) under the nail has cracked. The group responded to the resistance of the village on 28 May 2009 with hostage-taking by his security forces. Because the village residents to these terrorist do not want to be liked, it came on the same day to a confrontation in which three people were killed and others wounded. The group alleges that the man had died from accidents. The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission gives the representation of the group, but no faith.
According to Dede Kunaifi Indonesian environmentalists and other circumstantial evidence all pointed out that the villagers were murdered. "Customers in Germany will know how the paper industry of violence against people and environment in our country act," says Dede Kunaifi and asks: "Please refrain from paper from Indonesia."
APRIL plans, even in other large areas of Sumatra rainforest destruction. The Kampar peninsula is one of the few remaining wooded areas in Sumatra. Ironically, in their wish Torfwald APRIL destroy 45,000 hectares, so space for more paper to create plantations. The consequences for the climate would be disastrous, because in the meter-thick Torfschichten are huge amounts of carbon stored by the clear cutting as a climate-damaging gas in the atmosphere. Because of this effect, Indonesia is now the world's third largest emitter of carbon dioxide.
Given these predatory practices ROBIN WOOD has its own data according to the largest paper merchant, paper Union, since 2002, repeatedly asked, on paper of APRIL may be dispensed with. Papierunion previously denied this and insists always, the pulp for Paper One "comes solely from plantations and not from rainforest destruction. "Given the violence to paper plantations in Indonesia is such a cynical argument. We call Papierunion as well as all other traders on paper, on paper from Indonesia to renounce "said ROBIN WOOD-tropical Speaker Peter Gerhardt.

source (german) : http://www.extremnews.com/nachrichten/natur-und-umwelt/30ab128e843bd73

PEFC Chain of Custody Certification in Indonesia

PEFC, as an environmental NGO promoting the sustainable management of the world's forest, seeks to clarify questions surrounding the PEFC Chain of Custody certifications in Indonesia.
1. There are no PEFC-certified forests in Indonesia as there is no PEFC-endorsed certification system operating in Indonesia that meets the stringent requirements set out by PEFC's International Sustainability Benchmark.
Indonesian companies such as APP therefore have not – and cannot – obtain a PEFC certification for its forest management practices in Indonesia.
PEFC-certified timber used by companies in Indonesia, which have obtained a PEFC Chain of custody certification certificate, must therefore be procured from PEFC-certified forests elsewhere in the world.
2. Certification in the forestry sector involves two separate process that are independent of each other; certification of sustainable forest management practices and Chain of Custody certification.
Chain of custody certification is a mechanism for tracing certified material from the forest to the final product. This provides assurances that the product or product line, about which a claim is being made, is linked to a certified forest.
Chain of custody certification can be awarded by an independent accredited third party certification body to any company that meets the strict chain of custody requirements set out by PEFC's International Chain of Custody Standard.
The correct implementation of the Chain of custody in line with PEFC's International Chain of Custody Standard is independently audited and verified by an accredited certification body. In the case of APP, this certificate was awarded by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), a global certification body based in Geneva, Switzerland.
3. PEFC provides a transparent, free-of-charge complaint mechanism to ensure that any concerns against any Chain of custody issued and independently audited against PEFC's International Chain of Custody Standard are addressed.
PEFC has previously received and supported a formal complaint relating to compliance of PT. INDAH KIAT PULP and PAPER Tbk SERANG MILL and PT. PABRIK KERTAS TJIWI KIMIA against its International Chain of Custody Standard. SGS as the certification body issued a response to the complaint, stating that the operations in question are in compliance with PEFC's International Chain of Custody Standard.
4. To ensure the independence, transparency, accountability and credibility of the chain of custody certification process, the standard setter (in this case PEFC International) cannot withdraw a Chain of custody certificate found to be in full compliance with its International Chain of Custody Standard.
However, PEFC reserves the right of action against any chain of custody certified company found to be in violation of its chain of custody requirements.

source : http://news.paperindex.com/CompanySpecificNews/PEFC_Chain_of_Custody_Certification_in_Indonesia/

S. Korean Firm Inks $500m Pulp Deal

South Korea’s Korindo Group is planning to invest $500 million in a factory on Kalimantan Island, with the capacity to process 600,000 tons of pulp annually for particle board and paper. The announcement was made by Kim Hoon, Korindo’s executive director, on Thursday.
The factory is scheduled to get underway over the next two years, Kim said, after signing a memorandum of understanding between Indonesia and South Korea. The signing was witnessed by the Indonesian Forestry Minister MS Kaban and Chung Kwang-soo, Korea’s minister of forest service.
“We will use acacia mangium and eucalyptus as raw materials,” Kim said.
Acacia mangium is found in Papua New Guinea, Maluku Province and in Australia. Some varieties can grow to 20 meters in less than a decade. Eucalyptus trees are mainly native to Australia.
Korindo is licensed to manage 170,000 hectares of plantation forest, most of it in Kalimantan. The company has already planted 78,000 hectares as raw material, Kim said.
He acknowledged that investors faced problems, including the lack of adequate infrastructure and jurisdictional questions between the central government and regional administrations.
“It happens that infrastructure in some districts cannot support the industry,” Kim said, adding that some potential investment areas did not have roads.
After the MOU signing, Kaban said the ministry had also granted forestry licenses to two other South Korean companies, PT Taiyoung Engreen and PT Inni Joa. He pledged to aid investors seeking to get involved in forestry.
“Investment in forestry plantation is large-scale,” he said. “For example investment in sengon [ paraserianthes falcataria , a fast-growing species of wood found in East Java Province] requires about Rp 12 million [$996] a hectare,” Kaban said, adding that ministry support would be required, without elaborating on how assistance would be offered.
Aside from supporting the large-scale forestry industry, the ministry is making an inventory of forest areas belonging to local residents, he said.
The Ministry of Forestry said Korea has about 564,000 hectares of land for plantation in Indonesia, slated for pulp production and jathropa for biofuels.
Indonesia has about 120 million hectares of forest, with 20.5 million hectares converted for other uses, 66.3 million hectares in production forest and 33.5 million in conservation forests.

source : http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/business/article/12121.html

Paper industries allowed to use wood from natural forests

01/10/09 00:48

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Forestry Ministry will allow pulp and paper industries to use wood from natural forests if supply from timber estates (HTI) is not available due to their development problems in the past two years.

"It is not impossible for the policy for pulp and paper industries to use wood from natural forests to be extended," Forestry Minister MS Kaban said here on Friday.

The forestry minister had earlier issued a decree banning pulp and paper industries to use wood from natural forests.

Based on the decree HTI companies linked with pulp and paper industry are required to finish planting their areas in 2009 by the latest.

However, Minister Ka'ban said in the past two years several HTI companies had been suspected of conducting illegal logging and as a result many companies had been afraid of being suspected of doing it making them to delay their planting and industrial forest development activity.

"Plants that have to be harvested after six to seven years were cut earlier and as a result stocks of tree stand in the HTI companies are irregular," he said.

The minister did not mention time limit for the use of wood from natural forests saying "it depends upon their respective annual plan."

In addition to the facility the minister urged the companies to immediately finish planting their areas moreover the illegal logging case has now been dealt with by the police.

He reminded that the obligation to conduct timber estate management had to be done six months after the license was given by the latest.

For those who are late, the government may revoke their license, he said adding that timber estate planting also had to be done with respect to principles of sustainable forest management.

The Forestry Ministry expects until 2009 a total of five million hectares of timber estates could be created. Until the end of 2008 realization of the forest development reached 4.3 millin hectares.

At present a total 222 units of timber estate companies have been recorded operating on a 9.807 million hectares of land consisting of 164 companies with a definitive license operating on 7.1 million hectares, 26 units on 2.03 million hectares with a reserve license and the rest 32 units on 300,000 hectares for transmigration programs. (*)

COPYRIGHT © 2009

source : http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2009/1/10/paper-industries-allowed-to-use-wood-from-natural-forests/

Riau Forest Tragedy

Deforestation which covered by permission to make illegal logging in Riau increasingly widespread. The new cases, 22 months after in uncertainly status, Riau Police Department (Polda Riau) finally stop the investigation of the 13 illegal logging. This fact will be surely that opinion about forest destruction in Indonesia can not be separated from the three elements of society, elite officials, and businessmen. Really?

Behind in the FIGURE of 13
After 22 months in uncertainly status, Polda Riau finally stop the investigation of the 13 illegal logging. NGOs make a prepared to claim the justice.

Surprising news came from the Bumi Lancang Kuning (Riau), Monday, December 22, 2008. Afternoon, on the High Attorney General office of Riau, at Sudirman Street, in a meet the press together. Riau Regional Police Command issued a letter of Termination Investigation (SP3) on 13 of 14 companies allegedly involved in illegal logging in Riau.

Brigadier general Hadiatmoko (Head of Riau Regional Police) states that the termination was issued because of various legal requirements are not met. "We do SP3 on 13 companies because of lack of evidence, while the Ministry of the Environment stated there is no evidence destruction, while 13 companies have permission from the MoF (ministry of Forest). Two institutions that are our expert witnesses in the case of 13 companies," said Brigjen a head start serving Riau Regional Police on May 15, 2008.

Kapolda said that only one company that is a joint company PT Utama Jaya (RUJ) subsidiary PT Indah KIAT Pulp and Paper (IKPP) that does not have permission. "This company will continue penyidikannya us," Kapolda. said

With terminated investigation on the matter, the Polda Riau will also immediately restore the evidence as one million cubic meters of wood confiscated from illegal logging operations of that. "That does not have excess to the front. The evidence is in accordance with the regulations," Kapolda said.

As a flashback, in 2007, brigadier general Sutjiptadi as Kapolda at that time incentive to combating of illegal logging, hundreds suspects and thousands of cubic timber forest crime police also be confiscated. In fact, around February 2007 National Office Police also took over the logging case in Riau and set as the 14 company is illegal logging.

Fourteen wood company that is owned by two giant pulp, namely PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) and Indah KIAT Pulp and Paper (IKPP). Investigation stopped Polda Riau confess after consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Depertemen if it does not infringe the company permission and to do environment destruction. and 13 companies of the group is IKPP such as, PT Arara Abadi, PT Bina Duta Laksana (BDL) PT Rimba Mandau Lestari (RML), PT Ruas Utama Jaya.

Meanwhile, from PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper, such as PT RAPP, PT Madukoro. PT Merbau Pelalawan Lestan (MPL), PT Nusa Prima Manunggal (NPM), PT Bukit Batubuh Sei Indah (BBSI). PT Citra Sumber Sejahtera (CSS), and PT Mitra Selaras Kembang (MKS).

In addition to 13 companies in tow, this case also dragged Riau Governor Rusli Zainal and 5 Regent was indicated to signed for permission to discharge for 13 companies of illegal logging. Even the involvement of the Governor of Riau and the Regent that have been submitted by Sutjiptadi at that time as Kapolda Riau, to Combating Corruption Commission (KPK).

Until this news was revealed, the Head of The Center for information and Law on National General Attorney (Kejaksaan Agung) Jasman Panjaitan still can not give a responses. But, Before, Youth Criminal Prosecutor General Abdul Hakim Ritonga said the receipt of the rejection 13 forestry companies because it is not complete.

Koran Tempo on December 31, 2008 edition writing, the decision issued SP3 have indeed made after a meeting between head of police, Attorney General, and Riau Governor Rusli Zainal. Rusli, when asked for confirmation, does not disprove. "I only called to present in the meeting that was attended by the Head of Police and the Attorney General," he said. "In that meeting, I told abut the threat of unemployment problem."

Regardless of that, three NGOs has identified that the irregularity in publishing that SP3. Them. Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW), Walhi, and Telapak, there are suspected conspiracy behind the publishing SP3 cases of illegal logging allegations of 13 timber companies in Riau. Conspiracy allegedly made Kapolda Riau and Riau attorney involving two large companies, namely IKPP and RAPP. "SP3 discharge of 13 timber companies in Riau is a bad precedent for the efforts of law enforcement environment and eradication of illegal logging what ever been campaigned by government. Should be think there are some conspiracy behind the strong to out this SP3," said researcher ICW, Febridiansyah, in a press meet with Indonesian Institute Green in ICW office. Jakarta, Friday (26/12).

Head of the Department of Advocacy and Network of the National Executive Walhi M Teguh Surya added, since the beginning of the investigation is has strong indication about law enforcement, the police and prosecutors, would free 13 companies. Evidence, Polda Riau as investigators have been ignoring expert witness from the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). "The IPB explicitly states have damaged the environment and licensing error, which reinforce the findings Walhi before," he said. From various that anomaly, Unang from Telapak said that it is difficult to ward alleged intervention behind publishing SP3. "Is this related to the strong position RAPP and IKPP? Its hard to say there is no intervention behind the termination of investigation," he said.

In Riau, Forest Rescue Network of Riau (Jikalahari) expressed deep disappointment for the decision. Chairman Jikalahari Susanto Kurniawan says, as a reporter that case during the Polda Riau Lead of brigadier general (Pol) Sutjiptadi know that Timber Plantation (HTI) companies it has permission. However, the permit is has a problems because basic regent’s issued base on The Minister of Forestry regulated Tax 10.1/2000. In fact, the regent permit issued after the decision to pull out that with the Government Regulation No. 34/2002. " President Instructions also stressed that the turf that has a depth of more than 3 meters compulsory protected. Meanwhile, in Riau, permission HTI concessions that would violate a given in forest area in the turf that has a depth more than 3 meters," Susanto said.

He added, permit of HTI also may only be issued in the land which not productive, while in fact it is on the consent jungle with a lot of wood. PT RAPP also evident to groupping of timber logs as chip woods. That is tax fraud. Why do prosecutors and police do not base allegations to this issue, " Susanto said.

Jikalahari also suspect that the decision is out because there is intervention and the large companies involved in forest logging in Riau. "We rate the police in this case got a lot of intervention proselytizer by various parties, we see the SP3 and has planned to stopped. And this do by the two big companies (PT RAPP and PT Arara Abadi)," Susanto said.

He think that scenario have been planned for long by the company, Polda Riau, government, the council. "We see a paper companies such as RAPP during this so incentive to publish everywhere in the media and to lobby to the government, the council, this is a company owned by Sukanto Tanoto (richest people in Indonesia, red) as the effort to expand their HTI. Moreover, RAPP own lack of raw materials and threatening to layoff employees, this is only a games and strategy by PT RAPP, to get the raw materials, "he said.

That some rarity which strength Jikalahari to claim to the court for that decision. Claim made in the eight regent courts, where companies indicated involved in the illegal logging operations. "We are still coordinating with other organizations to gather evidence to bring to court this case," Susanto said.

Separately, member of the House of Representatives from Commission III from Riau, Azlaini Agus, also feels surprisingly for the rejection prosecutors to expert testimony from Farm Institue of Bogor (IPB) and Gadjah Mada University on illegal logging and environmental devastation in Riau. "Why the prosecutor in the case has of double standards. Prosecutor should proceed this case to the court let the judge cut off, said Aziaini who is also a lecturer of law in Riau Islamic University.

Azlaini suspicious that have scenarios to this SP3. He said not long time before some of timber company in Riau conduct a meeting with Vice President Jusuf Kalla. In that meeting, the PT RAPP will make termination of employment (PHK) of thousands of employees, because of lack of raw materials. In fact, Azlaini added the issue that is not because of raw material, but more on the global crisis.

"And in meeting some of companies and government agencies with the Governor of Riau has not been this long, the governor also wanted the case of illegal logging is stopped. Yes indeed, if the governor also be involved," Azlaini said.

He mentions that layoff wave that occurred in the two paper mills in Riau, PT RAPP and PT IKPP, solely from impact of current global crisis, not because of lack of raw materials. "If the shortage of raw materials, it should first since the company was taking steps to layoff their employees. So the threat to lay off by RAPP as the only oppression to the government for that cases of illegal logging stopped. And now that case has stopped. We very disappointed, " Azlaini said.

In Jakarta, the Executive Director of Greenomics Indonesia Elfian Effendi said, Polda Riau and Riau attorney should explain to the public the basics of publishing SP3. Transparency important that the public does not interpret the decision by the various perspectives.

He said, the public need open information for the pro and contra in this case does not mix between the opinions, advocacy, and a legal basis of publishing SP3. The case also could be a precedent for law enforcement in the run similar operations in other regions.

For the decision which making by institutions, Head of the Police General of the Republic of Indonesia Bambang Hendarso Danuri invite the parties who are not satisfied on the termination of the case to the efforts of law. "SP3 is not a legal process has been completed," Bambang said. "Parties that have not satisfied please submit a claim to the court."

Separately, Director of PT RAPP Rudi Fajar, expressed gratitude to the brave step of the Polda Riau. With SP3 the decision, said Rudi, RAPP feel relieved. Is not expected soon, one million cubic meters of timber a limited by police line will be used again. We expect raw material that we can immediately take the raw material for production of the factory. We also hope that, after the case ended, appear a legal certainty so that we can work as optimally to back up dropping during this, "said Rudi.

Chairman of the Association of Forest Region Riau Endro Siswoko suggested, should the government can ease the burden of the Riau timbers which dropped for two years before the decision SP3.

Soemardi curse of the assault of Dusun Suluk Bongkal

Thursday, 01/01/2009 01:08 WIB

JAKARTA - Indonesia's Member DPD (representatives of local councils) from Riau, Soemardi Thaher deplores and condemns the occurrence of cases of assault in the Dusun Suluk Bongkal, Duri, Bengkalis. As a major public servant, Soemardi also deplore the action of the police from Polda Riau against to the citizens village killed up to Suluk Bongkal, Tasik Serai District Pinggir, District, Bengkalis regency.

"I regret moving by forced the police that caused the fall of victims," he said Wednesday (31/12) in the building DPR / MPR RI, Jakarta.

As known, on Thursday (18/12) and, about 500 members from four Riau Polda police station was evacuation mass of Serikat Tani Riau (STR) that inhabit the land dispute in the KM 42, Dusun Suluk Bongkal, Bengkalis. That Land has been a year since the last set by the status quo by Polda Riau because the conflict between the Dusun Suluk Bongkal with PT Arara Abadi. Caused that attack it, a baby named Putri (2.6 years) died after a fall to the ground when the wells run to save themselves when the police came.

Ex PGRI’s Secretary-General (Teachrs Union Of Republik Indonesia) also say, should the police do a survey first before action to STR mass evacuation. That step is done to see if there are members of the relevant rights ulayat or that have the others parties that sponge this case. "Do not all the mass in the village must move from there," he said.

In addition to requesting to Pemprov (Riau Government) Pemkab Bengkalis (Regency Government) to dispute the agrarian problem with PT Arara Abadi, and also Soemardi requested to Malay Traditional Agency of Riau (LAMR) to also help solve to the problem . Blow up this case, he said , this is a golden opportunity for LAMR to show their love to people, from during the image which pro-government.

"LAMR must be pro active to see directly how customary conditions there. This is the time for LAMR to care to the people. LAMR For as long as this is too preoccupied with ceremonial events to hold the title," he said.

As the council ofLAMR, Soemardi Thaher not stay silent. The leaders will try to meet that LAMR be pro-people over this case. LAMR should ask the police responsible if the victim died as a result of the invasion that hundreds of police officers.

"Whatever happens LAMR be pro-people. Injustice and hubris that torment the people must be stopped immediately," he said.

Source in bahasa : http://proriau.com/berita_selengkapnya.php?idberita=310%20%20&&%20kategori=hukrim

Attitude Statement of SORAK (People's Solidarity for Justice)

Pekanbaru, December 30, 2008

Attitude Statement of SORAK (People's Solidarity for Justice)

Tax: B/PS-SORAK/XII-08/02

FREE FARMERS DUSUN SULUK BONGKAL, CANCEL LETTER of DISMISSAL INVESTIGATIONS (SP3), FIRED OFF HEAD of RIAU POLICE DEPARTMENT (KAPOLDA RIAU), HEAD of RIAU ATTORNEY (KAJATI) NOW ..!

Greeting Freedom
Attacking to the farmers of Dusun Suluk Bongkal be a murdered to a people movement and be reflection of the rotten government that have been evident in the overt side of capital, with the support by the armed forces to be shielded from the power of the anti-people and protecting assets of foreign-asset wealth of the nation and to exploitation on large-scale above poverty on people.

Violence against farmers in the Dusun Suluk Bongkal by local police of Riau have proved their real face without thinking for long to human slaughter, and as a high-interest to the capitalism, the arrogant attitudes of KAPOLDA RIAU make us to extra carefully, because is not possible on the next his arrogant attitude could be trounce all movement of people from all sectors, be it farmers, laborers, the poor of the city and also students.

We need to explain the tragedy on December 18, 2008 at 10:00 AM be a mass slaughter which do by the troops Polda Riau Brimob, Samapta, PP Satpol, civilian who paid totally about thousands of people and directly led by Direskrim Polda Riau Kombes. Alex Mandalika, equipped with weapons (stick and firearm) and the water cannon and 2 helicopters who with stranger to drop explosives on citizen’s houses till burn and fired, this event swallow victim died 1 people (daughter aged 2.5 years) who panic when the collision and fall down into the wells, and indicated there are still victims of the soul, a pregnant mother got kick and bleeding, dozens of people injured and exposed to fire staggered, 2 people experiencing serious depression, one of them does not want to eat, ram's his to the wall and doesn't want to open his eyes, 76 people has catch and imprisoned without a clear legal certainty, hundreds of people experiencing trauma and fear and loss of material.

This is a serious human rights violations and surprising the world so that broadcast radio Germany preach that amnesty international has issued a statement that the government of Indonesia to immediately investigate the incident on the assault and breach of human rights more than 400 farmers in the Pinggir Sub district.

National Commission on Human Right (Komnas HAM) has came to that area to see about all rubble of a house burned, confirming that there has been violation of human rights and KAPOLDA Riau must be get a high punishment for this tragic humanity tragedy.

We need to explains that accusations from PT. Arara Abadi who said that Dusun Suluk Bongkal is an area of Rights control Plantation Forest Industry (HPHTI) PT. Arara Abadi is NOT TRUE, because the administrative Dusun Suluk Bongkal is a legal settlement based on the administrative map of Dusun Suluk Bongkal signed by Regent of Bengkalis on March 12, 2007 which covering 4586 ha (in the Government of Bengkalis District no. 0817-22 0817 -- 31.0618-54 0616 63). That land is obliged to remove from the area of Rights of Forest Plantation Industry (HPHTI) and the company is not entitled to use that land, especially to drive out people with force.
Not enough to do with the slaughter of the farmers, KAPOLDA Riau with the KAJATI Riau back boosted by recent policies that damaged the company's tie up 13 cases of illegal logging, the previous November 2008, Kapolda Riau has issued a statement in the mass media that will not do SP3 (Letters Termination command inspection) against to companies suspected of doing illegal activities of logging or forest. Previously, the replacement of Kapolda Riau Sutjiptadi to Hadiatmoko also with says will soon complete the cases of crimes in Riau forestry not until 100 days since the beginning of the work in the province of Riau. But there all only promise which not doing by the KAPOLDA.
There has been damage to forests in Riau where has knowledgeable around year 2005-2006 reached 200,000 hectares. That Damage has triggered the occurrence of a flood that has hurt residents in the nine districts and cities in the province of Riau, forest fires and land which resulted in 7,608 children affected by diseases such as respiration in 2005. Not to release the carbon dioxide emissions resulting from deforestation in Riau is 58% from the level of Australia's annual emissions, or 39% of the total annual UK emissions, and higher than the total annual emissions of Netherlands. Locals people enjoy the only area of 0.46 hectares of land / Head of Family (KK) because of the natural wealth in Riau have owned by powers capital.
At least 172,000 hectares FOREST IN RIAU will face destruction from deforestation, because the 13 companies that allegedly committed crimes are on FORESTRY NATURAL FOREST which still good and have HIGH POTENCY OF COMMERCIAL WOOD. Referring to the plan use of Riau (Regulation 10/1994), the area where the thirteenth company to operate in the zone is located to the allotment as a protected area. Worse, thirteenth companies operating in the area of peat land that has an important role in government efforts to control emissions of carbon dioxide from the soil drying and deforestation of peat land.

This SP3 will be a door opener for the increased intensity of natural forest denudation (deforestation), as well as stimulate the new license-permit for HTI and RKT (Annual Plan) for the license-permit HTI who are on peat land area and the forest area that still productive.

The Decisions of SP3 HAS BE A GAMBLING SAFETY OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE NAME of COMPANY’s INTERESTS and OWNERS.

Forestry crimes must be combating because it will cause a loss of society and threaten the safety of Riau.
DO ENFORCEMENT LAW FOR SP3 (Letters Termination command inspection) .......!!!!
Caused there is not responsive from the people who sit in the House of Representatives, national both and local levels, to the suffering of the people Riau, We invites the public aware to human rights, get normal life and healthy.

For that We are People's Solidarity for Justice (SORAK) demanded:

1. Catching, and bring to court with a high punishment KAPOLDA Riau, FIRED OFF HEAD of RIAU POLICE DEPARTMENT (KAPOLDA RIAU), HEAD of RIAU ATTORNEY (KAJATI) for Mass slaughter Farmers Dusun Suluk Bongkal Unplug freezing 13 cases of illegal loging company.
2. Free 76 farmers Dusun Suluk Bongkal NOW ..!
3. Immediately bring to court all forestry crimes who directly or indirectly have riau torment people, including the right to request and questioned the Sinarmas and APRIL for damage on the forest extraordinary in Indonesia specially in riau.
4. Return the land to the people, Go out PT. Arara Abadi now, because it has grab people's land and manipulate for slaughter farmers in Dusun Suluk Bongkal.
5. Immediately the moratorium (pause) deforestation to take the distance that can be done clear and improving governance through the forest inventory and verification of the license in the province of land-based riau.
6. Pull all the police forces from the conflict area, STOP intimidation against farmers and safely return the situation to the public.
7. Especially for the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Development Planning Agency To Conduct Audit Immediately comprehensive Against Paper Industry (Pulp and Paper) Existing general in Indonesia and specially in Riau .

People's Solidarity for Justice (SORAK) :
Sukarelawan Perjuangan Rakyat Untuk Pembebasan Tanah Air(SPARTAN), Syarikat Hijau Indonesia(SHI), Wahana Lingkungan Hidup(WALHI), Kontras, Liga Mahasiswa Nasional Untuk Demokrasi(LMND), Konsorsium Pembaruan Agraria(KPA), Front Nasional Perjuangan Buruh Indonesia(FNPBI), Serikat Rakyat Miskin Indonesia(SRMI), Serikat Tani Riau(STR), Serikat Pengacara Rakyat(SPR), Kantor Bantuan Hukum(KBH) Riau, LBH-YPBHI Pekanbaru, Jaringan Rakyat Penyelamat Hutan Riau(JIKALAHARI), Kelompok Advokasi Riau(KAR), Ikatan Pelajar Mahasiswa Ke. Bengkalis(INPERALIS) Pekanbaru, Serikat Mahasiswa Riau(SEMAR), Serikat Pedagang Kaki Lima Pekanbaru(SPKLP), Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam-Majelis Penyelamat Organisasi(HMI-MPO), BRIGADE, ISMAHI, IBMTR, HIMAKRI, HIMAWAN, HIMAPI, HMD Rohil, BAMPER, BEM FISIPOL UIR, BEM Hukum UIR, BEM AMIK Riau, SJARI, KABUT RIAU, KPA EMC2,HMJ Kriminologi UIR, HMJ IP UIR

Polda Riau (Riau Police Departement) to Dismissal Investigations (SP3) Case of 13 Illegal Looging Company

December 23, 2008
PEKANBARU - Investigations Case for nearly 2 years to 13 companies in Riau which indicated involved the illegal logging is stopped. This is caused Polda Riau and Riau Attorney (Kejati) issued a letter to Dismissal Investigation (SP3).

According to the Polda Riau, the decision to stop the investigation of 13 companies, because the government did not have enough evidence beside the document of investigatios has repeatedly to be the prosecutor, but they give back to the police.

Before, this case has dragged previous 14 woods companies which owned by two giant pulp companies, namely PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) and PT. Indah KIAT Pulp and Paper (IKPP). Stopped the investigation after consultation with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Depertement if that’s all company does not violate of permits and environmental destructions.

All 13 company's group on PT. IKPP such as PT Arara Abadi, PT Bina Duta Laksana (BDL) PT Rimba Mandau Lestari (RML), PT Ruas Utama Jaya.

Meanwhile, mainstay of PT Riau Pulp and paper, such as PT Madukoro, PT Merbau Pelalawan Lestari (MPL), PT Nusa Prima Manunggal (NPM), PT Bukit Indah Batubuh Sei (BBSI), PT Citra Sumber Sejahtera (CSS), and PT Mitra Kembang Selaras (MKS),

"We do SP3 on 13 comapnies because thay has lees of evidence,and while the Ministry of the Environment stated there is no evidence of destructions, while 13 companies from the Forestry Departement has the legal permission. The two institutions are our expert witnesses in the case of 13 companies," said Head office of Police Departement of Riau (Kapolda) Brigjen Hadiatmoko.

Kapolda explained that one company joint company of PT IKPP which named PT Utama Jaya (RUJ) that does not have permission. "For this company we will continue the investigations," Kapolda said.

Meanwhile, at the same time, Attorney General Head of Riau, Suroso said that element of verification in the case 13 companies’s tools cases they has of weak evidence. "All Evidence is not strong, It can be stop (SP3)," said Suroso.

In 2007 when Sutjiptadi as Riau Kapolda at the time incentive to do combating of illegal logging, hundreds of suspects and thousands cubic of timber forest crime confiscated by the police. In fact, around February 2007 National Police Departement also took over the case of illegal logging in Riau and set 14 companies as suspicious.

Farmers Agrarian Conflict Riau Vs PT Arara Abadi, Causes the Victims of Life

One case involves a conflict of Agrarian Dispute with farmers and police in the other hand, occur again in the Bengkalis district Riau, with the only clear case to extend the list of Agrarian conflict in the country. The case occurred on December 18, 2008

An incident was the trigger when more than 500 troops Mobile Brigade of Riau Police Departement (Polda Riau) with Samapta troops and police armed of Bengkalis Resort using stick , fire Weapon and equipped with Water canon pushed enter the settlement residents. Association officials are directly Lead by Direskrim Polda Riau Kombes Alex Mandalika, perform operations in the form of action to ejectment Of Dusun Suluk Bongkal, as village residents are deemed to annexation of the area HPHTI (Rights control Plantation Forest Industry) of PT. Arara Abadi (APP Groups)

For that action all villager trying to defend themselves by blocking roads access into the village. Other efforts in the form of negotiations with the police who also served in the conducted by the local community leaders, Negotiations that led directly by the head of Dusun Suluk Bongkal, and the Khalifah Ismail and side by lead of STR (Riau Farmer Asociation) Riza Zuhelmi in the aim to ask the basic letter the operation in pursuit of the police action in this village. Because according to the source what we get from citizens, that Dusun Suluk Bongkal based on the administrative map of 4856 in the Ha sign by Regent of Bengkalis 12 March 2007 is legal as in a sheet Pemda Bengkalis by No. 0817-22-0817-31.0618-54 0616 63.

However, police there answers, "We just do mandate.." Get answers that are less satisfactory that the residents called on police not to take repressive action against to the villager of Dusun Suluk Bongkal. Therefore, contrary to the law, First Command No official letter from the police departement and the second, there is no decision of the court issued the execution.

Finally hose around it and then at 11:30 the police try to cut back rows of the mother and mother-child who stand in the way of entry. The clash can not be avoided, in the incident that took Lead of STR Riza Zuhelmy enter by force to a police car. But Finally Riza successfully delivered later in the evacuation to the village.

Seeing that police repression is also more brutally with the beat, kick and shoot demontran by rubber bullet and tear gas towards citizens, the police also to arrest the mothers, so all villagers being mess, at least 2 people affected by stroke. Brutally action by officer, not just stop there until the police to send a helicopter to search people who get run to the forest. Police conducted a search with a helicopter taking action with arogan throw explosives at the top of the home residents are torn loud explosion and followed with fire going burn resident’s home. In the event that has also been the victim died 1 people (child girls, age 2 years)

Until this news we revealed on Monday 22 December 2008 the effort does not stop the struggle of farmers in demanding justice. Dusun Suluk Bongkal residents Riau also bring this case to the Komnas HAM (National Commission of Human Rights) in Jakarta. The response of the Komnas HAM represent by the Vice Chairman of the Komnas HAM Ridha Saleh says, "We will soon undertake in the field and will take steps to ask the Police Departement of RIAU especially in the handling of Agrarian cases not to do with repressive ways," he said.

Source in Indonesian text: http://www.kpa.or.id/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=202&Itemid=39