Concerns Over Unequal Law Enforcement and Allegations of Business Rivalry
GAYO LUES | insetgalusnews.com | The closure of several pine resin processing factories in Gayo Lues Regency has sparked public questions and concern. While these actions are officially framed as part of regulatory enforcement on permits and environmental standards, there are growing suspicions of unequal treatment and potential conflicts of interest among business players.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO RESUME CONTENT
Factories Shut Down, One Remains Operational
According to information gathered from multiple sources, several factories have been shut down due to administrative and technical violations. However, one company – PT Kencana Hijau Bina Lestari – continues to operate. Documents obtained by the editorial team reveal that this company had also previously received a written warning from the Governor of Aceh.
In official letter No. 500.4/4737 dated April 25, 2025, the company was cited for the following violations:
Failure to comply with technical requirements for boiler emission stacks,
Failure to submit Investment Activity Reports (LKPM),
Use of outdated Indonesian Business Classification Codes (KBLI).
Verification visits were reportedly conducted on June 27, 2024, and February 26, 2025, by a joint team from the Aceh Environmental Agency (DLHK), the Aceh Investment and Licensing Agency (DPMPTSP), and the Legal Bureau of the Aceh Provincial Secretariat. The letter gave the company 14 days to rectify the issues.
As of this publication, there has been no official confirmation that the company has fulfilled these obligations. The editorial team has submitted clarification requests to PT Kencana’s management and the relevant government agencies.
Allegations of Private Sector Involvement in Factory Closures
Several residents and unnamed internal sources have alleged the presence of individuals linked to the still-operating company during the closure processes of competing factories. One resident, Sanusi, expressed his concern:
“During the factory shutdown, it was people from that company who appeared to be taking the lead. Shouldn’t it be government officials who are front and center?” he said on Monday, June 23.
While the editorial team could not independently verify this claim, it is included here as part of the ongoing public discourse.
Local Government Response
Kasimuddin, head of the Gayo Lues DLHK, explained that the regency-level government only acts in a supporting role when it comes to enforcement against forestry and environmental violations. Full authority lies with the provincial government.
“The seal notices also come from the Province. We merely accompany the team from there,” Kasimuddin stated via WhatsApp on Monday, June 24, 2025.
“That’s right. The same goes for regional revenue (PAD) – it all goes to the Province. All we get is the waste,” he added.
Calls for Transparency
Various stakeholders are urging the Aceh Provincial Government and the Gayo Lues Regency Government to publicly clarify the reasons behind the selective factory closures and to disclose the current status of other companies that have not been subject to enforcement. A lack of transparency may foster speculation, erode public trust, and lead to accusations of unfair business practices.
Editor’s Note:
The editorial team is still awaiting official responses from PT Kencana Hijau Bina Lestari and relevant authorities. This article will be updated as soon as clarifications are received.
