People of Muting district in the opening ceremony of Maria Cave few days ago – Jubi/Frans L Kobun
Merauke, Jubi – People in Muting Village, Muting District, Merauke Regency-Papua expressed their disappointment because of land clearing for oil palm plantation, which is not consulted with local people as the owners of communal land rights.
This was revealed by the Head of Muting Village, Roberthus Mahuze to Jubi, Monday (May 29). It said, when their first entry the company promised to hire customary owners once it is operating. But in reality only a few people are employed.
“Frankly, we are very disappointed with companies that promise to hire indigenous people. We can count by our fingers of how many people work there, “said Mahuze without mentioning the name of the company.
According to him, the company should not deny the agreement that has been made when the company plans to open the land for the development of oil palm.
Asked for payment of compensation, Mahuze admitted there was no real compensation, only what it’s called “a concern” payment. It is in accordance to the company’s agreement with customary rights owners.
It is expected that in the future the company will not ‘turn a blind eye’ to indigenous Papuans in Muting. Since they are the owners of customary rights and are obliged to be given the opportunity to work.
Another resident, Yulius Gebze said similar thing. “Yes, there is lack of good attention from the company to the owners of customary rights. So there is a sense of dissatisfaction,” he said.
“It is true that since the company entered for the first time, there has been an agreement for the customary rights owner to be involved. But during their operation only a few people are accepted. While others left behind,” he said.(*)
