Summary of the Conflict
In Indonesia, two palm oil conglomerates have resumed clearing forests and other lands to expand their plantations, after more than a decade of dispute with the indigenous Dayak Benuaq community in Borneo. The companies PT Borneo Surya Mining Jaya (BSMJ) and PT Munte Waniq Jaya Perkasa (MWJP) began deforestation and eviction activities in June 2025, in what the community claims is their ancestral territory.
This dispute dates back to 2011-2012, when the companies began clearing forests in an area claimed by the Muara Tae community, in the province of East Kalimantan. The companies claim to have purchased lease rights from residents of Muara Ponaq, a neighboring village. However, the Muara Tae community argues that the companies collaborated with individuals from Muara Ponaq who illegally signed over the transfer of hundreds of hectares of community land from Muara Tae, in exchange for hundreds of millions of rupiah.
Why It Matters
The conflict not only affects the local indigenous community but also has broader implications for biodiversity conservation and efforts to combat climate change. The expansion of the palm oil industry is one of the main causes of deforestation in Indonesia, contributing to the loss of habitats of endangered species and the release of greenhouse gases.
Furthermore, the dispute highlights the importance of protecting indigenous territorial rights and ensuring that local communities are consulted and compensated fairly for development activities on their lands.
Mechanism and Science Behind the Conflict
The expansion of the palm oil industry is driven by growing demand for vegetable oil for use in food, biofuels, and personal hygiene products. However, palm oil production is often associated with deforestation and environmental degradation, as well as human rights violations.
The science behind palm oil production is complex, involving factors such as crop selection, soil management, and water resource management. However, the expansion of the palm oil industry also has implications for biodiversity conservation, as forest clearing and habitat degradation can lead to species loss and ecosystem disruption.
Broader Context
The conflict in Muara Tae is not an isolated case. Indonesia is the world's largest producer of palm oil, and the industry is one of the country's main sources of revenue. However, the expansion of the palm oil industry has also been associated with land conflicts and human rights violations across the country.
Moreover, Indonesia is a signatory to several international agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which require the protection of biodiversity and the mitigation of climate change.
What Happens Next
The conflict in Muara Tae is a reminder that the expansion of the palm oil industry must be done in a responsible and sustainable manner, with the protection of indigenous territorial rights and biodiversity conservation in mind.
Palm oil companies, governments, and international organizations must work together to ensure that palm oil production is carried out in a way that respects human rights and environmental standards, and that local communities are consulted and compensated fairly for development activities on their lands.
Source / Reference
Original article published on Mongabay.