Jakarta. Friday, November 26, 2021. The People’s Movement Alliance (Gerak) Tutup TPL visited the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for a hearing and complained about several issues related to the forestry sector and permit management. The event was also attended by indigenous people who came from Bonapasogit (Hometown) by carrying out banner actions and traditional rituals with Gondang Batak in front of the Corruption Eradication Commission’s Red and White Building.

This action was carried out as support and asked the KPK to be involved in state supervision in the forestry licensing sector which has so far violated the rights of indigenous peoples in the Lake Toba area.

Representatives received by the corruption eradication commission as many as 5 people, as well as submitting a document book containing violations that have been committed by PT. Toba Pulp Lestari for more than 30 years in the Lake Toba area.

The statements of attitude in this action are as follows:

1. Urge the KPK to investigate the alleged tax manipulation of PT. Toba Pulp Lestari, which has the potential to harm state finances.
2. Urge the KPK to get involved in resolving agrarian conflicts caused by PT. Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL), such as environmental destruction, expropriation of customary territory, violence and criminalization of indigenous peoples in Tano Batak.
3. Supervise the performance of the state in terms of fulfilling Jokowi’s promise regarding the return of customary land.
4. Urge the Ministry of Environment and Forestry to revise the Toba Pulp Lestari concession which overlaps with the customary areas of indigenous peoples.

Meanwhile, from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the one who received the complaint was Ihsan Fahmi as Plt. Director of Inter-institutional Cooperation Network Development, Torkis Sidebang and Defina in the field of Public Complaints. During the hearing, he conveyed several things about alleged corrupt practices in the forestry governance and licensing sector, including evidence of document violations committed by PT. Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL) was handed over by representatives of the TPL Movement Close Alliance. Then the KPK is committed to immediately following up on the complaint which will be assisted by the Coordinator and supervision of the Sumatra region.

Hengky Manalu (0852 0693 0773)
TPL Close Movement Alliance