JAKARTA – The Riau Community Environmentalists (KOPARI) has called on the European market to boycott paper products produced by PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper (RAPP) and APRIL Group, which are accused of contributing to deforestation in Riau Province, Indonesia. The call follows a lawsuit filed by the Riau Madani Foundation against PT RAPP regarding damage to protected peatland areas, allegedly caused by the development of Industrial Timber Plantations (HTI) in the region.
Kenedy Sentosa, Chairman of KOPARI, emphasized, "Europe must boycott paper from companies that destroy forests in Riau, Indonesia, in order to stop giving space to companies that harm the environment and worsen global climate change." KOPARI has stated that the damage to the peatland ecosystem caused by PT RAPP and its subsidiaries has significantly contributed to frequent forest fires, increasing air pollution, and exacerbating climate change. The environmental organization also urged international institutions to be more assertive in monitoring companies involved in environmental destruction.
The demand for PT RAPP to be held accountable has intensified with a lawsuit filed by the Riau Madani Foundation on October 28, 2024, in the Pelalawan District Court. The foundation is seeking the restoration of the damaged ecosystem in a 23,700-hectare protected peatland area allegedly used for HTI. The restoration costs being claimed amount to Rp 49.5 trillion, making it the largest environmental lawsuit in the history of Riau. For comparison, in 2016, the Supreme Court ordered PT Merbau Pelalawan Lestari (MPL) to pay Rp 16.2 trillion in restoration costs, though the decision has yet to be executed.
In its lawsuit, the Riau Madani Foundation outlined several restoration measures, including land rehabilitation, soil layer restoration, replanting of endemic flora, as well as water management and erosion control. According to their calculations, the cost of restoring water management alone is estimated at Rp 47.99 trillion, while the costs for erosion control, biodiversity restoration, and water management exceed Rp 1 trillion.
This lawsuit has drawn public attention due to the significant environmental impact caused by HTI activities in the protected peatland area. PT RAPP, through its spokesperson Aji Wihardandi, stated that the company complies with government regulations and operates in accordance with the permits granted. However, the Riau Madani Foundation maintains its stance of halting the company's activities in the protected peatland area and demanding restoration of the environmental damage that has occurred.
In addition to restoration costs, the Riau Madani Foundation is also seeking that PT RAPP be fined Rp 100 million per day for non-compliance with the court's ruling. They also requested that the Minister of Forestry be a co-defendant and comply with the court's decision.
This case highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in preserving the environment, especially in areas that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of global ecosystems. If the lawsuit is accepted, PT RAPP will face a significant obligation to repair the ecological damage caused during its more than 20 years of operations. (Alamsah SH MH)
