Law Enforcement Concludes Foul Play in Tripa Peat Swamp Case
Tuesday, 15 May, 2012 | 15:33 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:The preservation of Tripa Swamp is seen as essential given the peat swamp is home to unique and endangered species such as orangutans.

As such, the government has given its full attention to controversy surrounding an oil palm plantation owned by Kalista Alam, which is located in the Indicative Map of the New Licenses Suspension (PIPIB) I.

The area recently caught on fire. The incident occurred at the same time as a fire that engulfed peat land in a concession area owned by another plantation company, Surya Panen Subur 2.

Due to the incident and in response to various concerns from the community, the Ministry of Environmental Affairs worked together with teams from the National Police and the Supreme Court to investigate the matter in early May.

The investigation has yielded indications of foul play. Firstly, there were indications of clearing for new peat land covering an area of 1,605 hectares before permits and the rights to cultivate were issued. Secondly, there were indications of peat land clearing through the use of fire.

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