Press Release:

Forest Independent Monitoring Network – Central Java

 Jakarta, 15 Januari 2014. SUWONO (68), a community member from Dukuh Jambeyan, Tanggel Village, Randublatung Regency, Blora District, Central Java, along with 11 (eleven) other community members: Radi, Dami, Kohar, Wadi, Winarto, Jarum, Warni, Joko, Mitro, Broto dan Lasinah, became victims of land grabbing and intimidation by Resort Chief of Forest Management Unit (KRPH) Tanggel, a part of Randublatung Forest Management Unit (KPH) Randublatung, which ironically has obtained certificate of “controlled wood standar for forest management enterprises”.

Suwono had been cultivating his land for decades, which he inherited from his late parents, Surohardjo Samidjan. The 6000 m2 land has been recorded in persil 00329 and village record, Book C of Tanggel Village No 405. The land is also registered as a tax object in Pati Tax Office (September 13, 1990).

As the legitimate owner of the land, Suwono submitted a written report to Blora Head of District, Regent of Randublatung, Village Chief of Tanggel Village, Blora Police Chief, Randublatung Police Chief, Randublatung Military Sub-District Command, Blora Regional People’s Representative Council, NGOs, and the National Commission of Human Rights, pleading to law enforcement agencies to take on the matter (December 1, 2013).

Suwono explained that after the report, he faced threats and intimidation from several parties, including a verbal assault from Hadi, Mantri of KRPH Tanggel. “It’s forbidden to cultivate rice fields. Peasants who disobey will be reported and arrested by the police,” threatened Hadi on Saturday, November 23, 2013. In addition, Suwono’s house, in which he lives with his wife, was also terrorized by random people. “They threw stones at our house, causing damage to our roof”, explained Suwono.

More worryingly, when Suwono and his wife rode home on a motorcycle from Gabusan Village, Jati Doplang, they were hit by a motorcylce and fell while the perpetrators ran off. Suwono fell uncounscious and sustained concussion as well as serious wounds on his legs, feet, knees, and fingers (December 21, 2013).

The incidents are ironic because KPH Randublatung has obtained an FSC certificate, issued by  SGC Qualifor (number SGS-FM/COC-009321), which is valid from March 30, 2012 to March 29, 2017 with the size of 32,646 hectares.

“Incidents faced by Suwono proves that SGC Qualifor was not prudent in the issuance of FSC certificate for KPH Randublatung. The FSC Controlled Wood Standard requires that there is no violation of civil and traditional rights of the surrounding communities. In the light of the incidents, SGC Qualifor must revoke certificate of KPH Randublatung until Suwono’s case has been processed.” demanded Andrianto, the Focal Point of JPIK (Forest Independent Monitoring Network) of Central Java [.]

Contact Person: Andrianto (085742743960)