Indonesian Strategic Island is threatened to Sink; Thousands of Inhabitant’s Rights were Taken Forcefully by Deforestation

WALHI 22/12/09, Pekanbaru – Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) Riau is launching investigation report on deforestation by Sumatera Riang Lestari Ltd, a group with Riau Andalan Pulp & Paper Ltd (RAPP) and Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Limited (APRIL). At least 1,000 hectares of natural forests in Rangsang Island, Kepulauan Meranti district, Riau has been cut down by SRL Ltd since May 2009. It threatens to sink one of the strategic islands in Indonesia, as well as causing carbon emissions release in that peat-land.

WALHI Riau conducted investigation in the concession of Sumatera Riang Lestari at Rangsang Island during July – August 2009. Investigation team found log piles that were estimated reaching 1,500 m3 and wood piles for pulp raw materials around 5,000 m3. Besides, 4 units of excavator were found pulling timber woods.

SRL Ltd was also found to made canals in peat-land as well as setting up log yard (location for piling logs) in the planned harbour. WALHI team also found canals set up reaching 10 km and 12 meter width with 5 meter depth.

WALHI team has collected public information and data related to the expansion of SRL Ltd in Rangsang Island. A number of inhabitant’s rejection documents have been obtained from 13 villages within Rangsang sub-district, showing how hard the refusal is against logging operation in peat-land by SRL Ltd.

“With the existence of pulpwood plantation by RAPP Ltd group would be a real threat for local inhabitants, either from environmental aspect or their own existence,” said Hariansyah “Kaka” Usman, Executive Director of WALHI Riau. “The presence of these plantation companies will eliminate public rights for livelihood from their own forest since they highly depend themselves on this forest.”

The expansion of SRL Ltd plantation on peat-land which supposes to be protected has caused significant CO2 carbon emissions. The expansion area of this company’s plantation is done in natural forest that should be preserved since it is still in good condition. WALHI Riau considers that the expansion has also put endangered species as well as fauna species of ramin tree in jeopardy. The company’s activities have also trigger abrasion in that strategic island as well as drought in some lakes (tasik) due to peat-land canal drainage.

From this investigation, WALHI found several interesting issues such as singularity and controversy that worth to be observed. SRL Ltd legality in 18,890 ha wide Rangsang Island as part of the 215,305 ha company concession, that was previously indicated from ex-logging concession of National Timber Ltd. Logging concession or Annual Work Plan for SRL Ltd was obtained directly from Forestry Minister without active participation of Provincial Forestry Bureau as usual.

“This certainly worth to be questioned, why the recommendation from local authority was not made as consideration in this decision making?” said Hariansyah. WALHI Riau also indicates that the company’s activities are not equipped with AMDAL and recommendation from local authority since the company only admit to gain approval from Bengkalis Reagent and Governor of Riau.

The expansion of SRL Ltd logging concession emerges social conflict and inhabitants’ unrest, proven by a sum of protests from the community who consider their life being threatened by this company’s operations. “Peat-land deforestation by SRL Ltd has not only put Rangsang Island peat-land in jeopardy, but also threatens Indonesia’s border island which is very strategic in the aspect of Indonesia’s national security and defence. This certainly is a serious matter and can not be ignored just like that,” adds Hariansyah.

Due to the amount of problems caused by the expansion of SRL Ltd logging concession as well as many interests are in danger, ranging from public social-economic, natural forest, peat-land ecosystem, endangered species of Ramin, wildlife, Indonesia’s strategic border island is being threatened, and the release of carbon emissions, therefore WALHI Riau recommends Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings (APRIL), RAPP Ltd and SRL Ltd to stop deforesting natural forest in Rangsang Island. WALHI recommends Forestry Department to review and cancel the permit given to SRL Ltd due to the sum of problems caused against the ecosystem and community, in addition to the controversy in term of licensing indicated of being corrupt.