Press Release:

Independent Forest Monitoring Network – Central Java

Jakarta, January 15, 2014. SUWONO (68), a resident of Dukuh Jambeyan, Tanggel Village, Randublatung Subdistrict, Blora Regency, Central Java, along with 11 other residents namely Radi, Dami, Kohar, Wadi, Winarto, Jarum, Warni, Joko, Mitro, Broto, and Lasinah, experienced a “land grab” by KRPH Tanggel. KRPH Tanggel is part of KPH Randublatung, which ironically has obtained a certificate of “controlled wood standard for forest management enterprises”.

Suwono is known to have cultivated the land for decades, inherited from his parents named Surohardjo Samidjan (late). His land, covering an area of 6000 m2, has been recorded in Plot 0329 and also in Book C of Tanggel Village with No. 405, and is listed in the tax object (PBB) at the Tax Service Office of Pati Regency on September 13, 1990.

Suwono, as the rightful owner of the cultivated land, has submitted a written report to the Regent of Blora with copies to the Subdistrict Head of Randublatung, Village Head of Tanggel, Randublatung Police Chief, Randublatung Military Commander, Blora DPRD, Blora NGOs, and the National Human Rights Commission in Jakarta, so that law enforcement can resolve the issue of the “land grab” by KRPH Tanggel (12/1/2013).

According to Suwono, since he reported the “land grab” of his land to several related parties, unpleasant actions have emerged as stated by Hadi, KRPH Tanggel Officer (Saturday, 11/23/2013) that “his rice fields cannot be cultivated, and if cultivated, will be reported and destroyed by the Police”. Then, the house where he and his wife lived was terrorized by unknown individuals. “Our house was pelted with stones, causing damage to the roof,” Suwono stated firmly.

Even more worrying, when Suwono and his wife returned from Gabusan Village, Jati Doplang, as they were riding a motorcycle, they were followed by people and were hit from the right side and fell down. As a result of the hit-and-run, Suwono fainted and suffered injuries to his foot, knee, fingers, and head (12/21/2013).

This incident is ironic because KPH Randublatung has a Certificate from SGS Qualifor with No. SGS-FM/COC-009321. Issued on March 30, 2012, and valid until March 29, 2017, with a forest concession area of 32,646 ha.

“With the emergence of the events faced by Suwono, it is evident that the SGS Qualifor Certification Body was not careful in issuing a certificate to KPH Randublatung. The FSC Controlled Wood Standard requires freedom from violations of civil and traditional rights of surrounding communities. SGS Qualifor must suspend the certificate in the name of KPH Randublatung until the issues faced by Suwono are resolved.” concluded Andrianto, Vocal Point of JPIK (Independent Forest Monitoring Network) Central Java.

Contact Person: Andrianto (085742743960)