BATANG HARI – June 28, 2025 – A deepening scandal over alleged land grabs in Jelutih village, Batang Hari, has come to light following recent revelations. A confidential source on Friday, June 27, 2025, exposed a scheme involving the illegal seizure of Village Forest (HD) land in Jelutih, Batin XXIV District, an illicit practice believed to have persisted for four to five years. The primary suspect, identified only as S, reportedly convened with individuals from Riau province to negotiate the illegal conversion of the HD land.
Extortion and Official Complicity
Initial investigations reveal the alleged involvement of several local figures in the illicit activities. The head of the customary institution, identified by the initial A, is suspected of providing cover for these illegal operations and demanding an “security fee” of IDR 18 million. Furthermore, Ropi, the head of the Village Forest Management Institute (LPHD), along with A and a member of the Jelutih Village Consultative Body (BPD) also identified as S, allegedly extorted money from initial land buyers. They reportedly demanded IDR 50 million, later settling for IDR 18 million as a “security payment.”
Adding to the gravity of the situation, a local neighborhood head (Ketua RT) even issued a notarized statement, stamped with a IDR 10,000 duty stamp, guaranteeing no land disputes in the Sungai Dungku area. This action is unequivocally deemed illegal.
Contradictory Claims Amidst Mounting Evidence
Ropi, the LPHD head, denies any involvement in the sale of HD land. He claims residents merely cultivate crops in the Bukit Dua Belas Forest and that parts of the land are used for rubber plantations. Ropi expressed disappointment over media reports published without his prior confirmation.
Similarly, Ersa Fransiska, the Jelutih Village Secretary, states she has no knowledge of any land sales and asserts that no official village documents pertain to such transactions.
However, a trusted source, who requested anonymity, painted a starkly different picture. The source alleges that the village forest land has been sold to approximately 14 individuals from Riau province, directly contradicting Ropi’s assertions and raising serious questions about the true extent of the illicit dealings.
Legal Ramifications and Impending Actions
The actions of those implicated could violate several articles of Indonesian law, including:
Article 263 of the Criminal Code (KUHP) concerning forgery of documents causing losses.
Articles 55 and 56 of the KUHP on participation in criminal acts.
Article 12 letter (e) of Law No. 31/1999 on Combating Corruption (Tipikor) regarding gratification or illegal levies by state officials.
Article 50 paragraph (3) letter (f) of Law No. 41/1999 on Forestry, which prohibits the transfer of rights over forest areas without proper permits.
Yernawita, S.H., head of the Batang Hari Legal Aid and Community Institute (LCKI), stated that her organization is closely monitoring the case for signs of organized crime. “If this information continues to develop, we will report the case to the Batang Hari Police for further legal action,” she affirmed.
In response, Herlas, chairman of Kompej Batang Hari, plans to organize a peaceful protest in front of the Batang Hari District Attorney’s office in the coming weeks.
LMP-iNews Upholds Journalistic Integrity
Darwin Irianto, Editor-in-Chief of LMP-iNews, emphasized his publication’s commitment to professional journalism, adhering strictly to the Journalistic Code of Ethics and Law No. 40/1999 on the Press. He stated that the coverage was initiated following reports from concerned Jelutih villagers about alleged illegal sales of village forest areas.
LMP-iNews’s editorial team remains dedicated to providing factual information in line with responsible journalistic principles while respecting all parties’ right to respond.
Reporter: Sabli
