A contentious legal dispute has emerged in the Sorong Regency, Papua Barat Daya Province, involving PT Mancaraya Agro Mandiri (MAM), a subsidiary of the Manca Group, and the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN) Malamoi. The conflict centres around allegations of illegal logging on customary lands belonging to several indigenous clans. PT MAM has issued a subpoena to the Chairman of AMAN Malamoi, Mr Torianus Kalami, demanding a retraction of public statements accusing the company of unauthorised logging. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between corporate interests and indigenous rights in Papua, raising significant human rights concerns regarding land ownership, environmental protection, and the rights of indigenous communities to their ancestral territories.
The conflict escalated as Mr Kalami reported alleged illegal logging activities by PT MAM after a field visit. In response, PT MAM’s legal team issued a subpoena on 18 July 2024, giving Mr Kalami 7×24 hours to retract his statements and apologize publicly. The company claims to be a victim of illegal loggers and asserts that its operational license remains valid, citing a recent agreement with the local government of Sorong Regency. PT MAM threatened to undertake legal action for defamation if their demands are not met. The subpoena was understood as an attempt to intimidate and silence indigenous rights advocates, raising concerns about the ability of local communities to protect their interests against powerful corporate entities.
The allegations against PT MAM involve unauthorized logging activities on customary lands belonging to the Klesi, Klow, Murpa, Maas, and Kwanik clans in the East Sayosa and Maudus districts of Sorong Regency. These actions, if proven true, would constitute severe violations of indigenous rights, including the right to free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) for activities on their ancestral lands. The alleged illegal logging also raises environmental concerns, potentially leading to deforestation and loss of biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas.
The company’s operations appear to be proceeding despite claims that its license has been revoked by the Sorong Regency government, which, if accurate, would indicate a disregard for local governance and regulatory processes. The alleged violations underscore the urgent need for stronger protections for indigenous land rights and more rigorous supervision of corporate activities in areas with significant indigenous populations.
Case information: https://humanrightsmonitor.org/case/indigenous-communities-in-sorong-demand-end-to-illegal-logging-by-pt-mam/
