Asia Pulp & Paper Sinar Mas fully respects the local land tenure that can be proven valid based on national and customary law, covering every stage of its operational activities, from planting to harvesting, in line with APP Sinar Mas' Forest Conservation Policy (FCP) commitments.
On October 19, 2021, PT WKS reported an illegal logging activity on land under its management to the authorities. This illegal activity was carried out by two people who cut down Eucalyptus trees in District VIII Resort Kilis (plot number KLS0031602) covering an area of about 13.9 hectares which had been planted since May 2020. The plot is located in the Industrial Forest Plantation (HTI) concession area of PT WKS.
Additionally, the land occupation carried out by some members – all of whom are immigrants from other province and upon checking their identification it was confirmed they are not part of the local community.
These immigrants are often hired as laborers by the members of Sekato Jaya Farmers Group.
Furthermore, a press release stating that PT WKS is located in an area with HGU is untrue. PT WKS is working based on the License from the SK 346/Menhut-I 2004 which located on the Industrial forest instead of Hak Guna Usaha (HGU).
In carrying out its business operations, APP abides by all applicable laws and regulations. The company also seeks to promote dialogue and mediation to achieve amicable outcomes in the event of possible land disputes with local communities.
APP is committed to continue its support for the forestry partnership strategy and forestry development programs in Jambi Province, to enhance community empowerment and regional development.
We respect all the process under authority and now being handled by the Tebo Resort police to investigate.