THE CONFLICT BETWEEN THE NAGARI KAPA COMMUNITY AND PT WILMAR IN WEST PASAMAN

Abstract

Palm oil plantations constitute a critical component of Indonesia’s national economy; however, they are frequently implicated in the emergence of agrarian conflicts. This study investigates the dispute involving the Nagari Kapa indigenous community and PT Permata Hijau Pasaman I, a subsidiary of the Wilmar Group, situated in West Pasaman Regency. The conflict originated from the transfer of customary land (tanah ulayat) conducted without the formal consent of the rightful indigenous landholders. The research aims to uncover the fundamental causes of the conflict, identify the stakeholders involved, and assess its socioeconomic repercussions. A descriptive qualitative methodology was adopted, employing literature review and in-depth interviews as primary data collection techniques. Data analysis was carried out through systematic processes of data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the conflict was principally driven by the marginalization of indigenous communities in the licensing process, the company's failure to implement its corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments, and the criminalization of local farmers. The study advocates for the legal recognition of customary land rights, a comprehensive reassessment of land use permits (HGU), and the implementation of inclusive mediation frameworks as essential measures for conflict resolution.