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Armed civilian group members arrested for assaults within APP-linked concession in Jambi
The Jambi Police named 59 individuals linked to the SMB suspects on Monday, following a crackdown against the group's members who allegedly committed the attacks within the concession area belonging to PT Wirakarya Sakti (WKS), a pulpwood supplier for giant paper producer Asia Pulp and Paper (APP).
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The Jambi Police named 59 individuals linked to the SMB suspects on Monday, following a crackdown against the group's members who allegedly committed the attacks within the concession area belonging to PT Wirakarya Sakti (WKS), a pulpwood supplier for giant paper producer Asia Pulp and Paper (APP). (Shutterstock/-)
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uthorities in Jambi are investigating cases of alleged violence involving local group the Batanghari Independent Union (SMB), whose members have been accused of assaulting security personnel as well as damaging company property in Mersam subdistrict, Batanghari regency.
The Jambi Police named 59 individuals linked to the group suspects on Monday, following a crackdown against the SMB members who allegedly committed the attacks within the concession area belonging to PT Wirakarya Sakti (WKS), a pulpwood supplier for giant paper producer Asia Pulp and Paper (APP).
The police have also seized dozens of weapons — including firearms and sharp bamboo — allegedly belonging to the group, which had occupied and claimed some part of the land under the company’s concession since last year.
“Based on the police’s examination and analysis result, it is concluded that the SMB group is an armed civilian criminal group [KKB],” the police’s criminal investigation director Sr. Comr. Edi Fariyadi said.
According to the police, the group — led by a man named Muslim — had committed nine different crimes since April last year as reported by the local police, including the Tanjung Jabung Barat District Police, Batanghari District Police and Tebo District Police.
The group initially claimed land in the area of District IV under the concession of PT WKS in Mersam subdistrict and went on to occupy the land in June last year, raising protests from the company. However, a mediation between the group and PT WKS reportedly resulted in a dead end.
Basri, a local resident, said Muslim had previously approached some local residents and promised them he would give 3.5 hectares of land for each of them and in turn, Muslim told them to pay Rp 100,000 (US$7.16) per week.
