Haidir Anwar Tanjung/FW & GB, Pekanbaru – Twenty villagers representing 439 families came to Riau Provincial Legislative Council to file a complaint over the seizing of their customary land by a giant pulp and paper company. They demanded their land be returned or the company should pay compensation of US$ 1 per square meter, arguing that the compensatory arrangements have not been made clear.

The villagers are from three villages in Pelalawan municipality namely Delik, Sering, and Pangkalan Kerinci village. They claim PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (PT RAPP) has forcibly taken over 1700 hectares of their customary land since 1992. Accompanied by their lawyer, Marganti Manalu, the villagers said their customary land, which has been turned into a pulp and paper factory, was forcibly taken by using rogue military members. In the council, they held talks with the head of Commission VII from the Council, Rolan Aritonang.

The conflict between the company and the villagers finally reached its peak in October 1997. Villagers set up a roadblock on the road to Timber Estate Area belonging to PT RAPP. Annoyed by this action, PT RAPP sent an elite police force – Mobile Brigade – to terrorise the villagers.

Consequently, tens of villagers were injured. The lawyer, Marganti Manalu was made to spend three years in jail, accused of inciting the villagers. In the meeting, Rolan Aritonang said that the council would establish a special committee to investigate the ownership of the land in question. He also promised to summon PT RAPP, which is one of the leading pulp and paper companies in Southeast Asia.

Interviewed separately, PT RAPP lawyer, Samsul Rakan Chaniago argued that compensation for the land has been settled. "We have settled the compensation through community development programs, and everything has been handled legally," stated Chaniago saying that it was a mere provocation and all has been settled properly.