TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The People's Plantation Coalition has urged the House of Representatives to postpone the deliberation of palm oil draft bill. Sawit Watch executive director Inda Fatinaware said that the palm oil draft bill favors corporations instead of farmers or workers.
"The draft bill is not urgent," Inda said during a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday, April 13, 2017.
According to Inda, the most urgent issues in the palm oil plantation sector are the protection and welfare of farmers and workers. Inda revealed that no single set forth in the draft bill favoring farmers.
Inda explained that several points showing the draft bill is favoring corporations are tax incentives, customs and excise incentives, as well as property tax facilities. Inda added that the draft bill is not in line with the government plan aiming at boosting state revenues.
The palm oil draft bill is included in the 2017 National Legislation Program (Prolegnas), which was initiated by the House of Representatives (DPR). The DPR claimed that the draft bill is aimed at securing farmers' welfare and improving professionalism in the sector.
The People's Planation Coalition has called on the government to impose a moratorium on the issuance of palm oil plantation permits and update the plantation law.
"The government must conduct an audit on plantation permits," Inda said.
ADITYA BUDIMAN