The West Sumatra Forestry Service stated that 9,205 hectares of community oil palm plantations in Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra are located within forest areas out of a total forest area of 76,722 hectares.
"This number is based on data independently reported by the community to the Ministry of Forestry," said Cucu Sukarna, Head of the Dharmasraya Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP) UPTD, West Sumatra Forestry Service, on Punjung Island.
He said the public reports came from eleven legal entities, both independently, companies, and community groups, which were submitted directly to the Ministry of Forestry.
According to him, his party has not been able to specify the location of community plantations in forest areas.
"We don't yet know the exact location details. What's clear is that we've received reports from eleven community members that their plantations are located within forest areas. The extent varies," he said.
According to him, the Ministry of Forestry will follow up on community reports by conducting investigations into community oil palm plantations located in forest areas.
