Commission of inquiry set up to vet paper mill threat to tribal lands
The Ministry of Human Rights is intervening in the struggle of the Batak people of Sihaporas against a paper mill that is threatening their traditional lands. Local Churches had previously filed a complaint requesting action. For Minister Natalius Pigai, “any business or industrial entity must respect the interests of local people”.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights is taking a stand regarding alleged violations in Sihaporas, a village in North Sumatra province, where the PT Toba Pulp Lestari (PT TPL) paper company has long been in conflict with the local indigenous community.
Minister Natalius Pigai announced yesterday the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to “collect data, facts, and information on the ground”.
The decision came after a meeting with several clergymen, administrators, and leaders of the Batak Protestant Christian Church (HKBP) at the ministry's headquarters in Jakarta.
Natalius Pigai stressed that the independent commission will include representatives from the Ministry of Human Rights, civil society organisations, Churches, religious leaders, and other relevant bodies, including the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Industry, and the Ministry of the Environment.
The group will be led by Munafrizal Manan, Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance.
For the minister, one of the commission's main objectives will be to define a justice model that meets the needs of the indigenous people of Sihaporas rather than business interests.
“The existence of any business or industrial entity must respect the interests of local people who preserve the ecosystem, customs, culture, and community welfare," he stated. “Do not think building the factory first and then think about the local people later.”
The establishment of the commission of inquiry follows a complaint by Rev Victor Tinambunan, of the Batak Protestant Christian Church.
On 10 May, the clergyman had called for the closure of the PT TPL pulp mill in Toba Regency, explaining that the appeal stemmed from a sense of moral responsibility as the leader of the largest church of the Batak people, who number approximately 6.5 million, most of whom live around Lake Toba.
“A series of ecological disasters such as flash floods, landslides, and pollution of water, soil, and air, as well as worsening climate change, have occurred repeatedly,” he said, reiterating that the Churches do not seek conflict but give voice to those who have been harmed.
The company has still not guaranteed the indigenous community access to their traditional agricultural lands.
The findings of the commission of inquiry will serve as a basis for the Ministry of Human Rights to formulate resolution measures and submit recommendations to the relevant ministries for further action regarding the alleged violations by PT TPL.
“The Ministry of Human Rights will pursue the best possible path to ensure that the rights of the Sihaporas indigenous community are fulfilled and that they obtain justice,” Natalius Pigai said.
.png)
23/09/2025 18:14
07/06/2025 16:08
