Sunday, 02 August 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM ~ An agrarian conflict in Indonesia's Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency has escalated once again, as tensions flared between a local farmers' group and a plantation company during a hearing at the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD).
Initially intended as a platform for resolution, the session turned into a heated exchange, with both sides presenting emotional arguments. The meeting ultimately ended without any agreement.
Farmers Fight for Livelihood and Recognition
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The hearing was led by DPRD Chair Ari Winata, alongside Deputy Chair H. Romadhon Nasution and several council members. Both parties were given the opportunity to present their claims over the disputed land.
Representing the farmers' group Panji Perjuangan from Perkebunan Teluk Panji Village, Raymond Pakpahan voiced deep concerns over the community's future.
"This land is not just our workplace. It is the foundation of our lives, our families, and our future. We are simply asking for recognition and protection of our rights as ordinary citizens," he said.
According to the farmers, the land has been cultivated for generations and represents more than just an economic asset. However, ongoing legal uncertainty has created growing instability in their daily lives.
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Company Pushes for Legal Resolution
On the other hand, PT Supra Matra Abadi emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute through legal mechanisms. The company argued that legal clarity is essential to ensure long-term certainty and avoid prolonged conflict.
The contrasting perspectives intensified the debate. While farmers view the land as part of their identity and survival, the company sees it as a strategic economic resource and investment asset.
This dispute reflects a broader issue across plantation regions in North Sumatra, where overlapping permits, historical land claims, and unequal conflict resolution mechanisms frequently trigger tensions.
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Parliament Urges Central Government Intervention
With no resolution reached, the DPRD proposed escalating the case to a higher authority. Lawmakers are considering referring the matter to Commission II of Indonesia's national parliament (DPR RI) in hopes of achieving a more comprehensive solution.
The council also urged both parties to pursue legal channels or engage in further mediation efforts to maintain social stability in the region.
At the heart of the conflict lies the livelihood of many families who depend on agricultural production for daily needs and their children's education.
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Local residents are now hoping for decisive government intervention—one that delivers not just a winner, but a fair and lasting solution without deepening social divisions. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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