Environmental NGO Wins Transparency Lawsuit

The Bengkulu National Land Agency (BPN) must give all plantation permit (HGU) maps demanded by the Bengkulu Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi), a local court decided on Wednesday, July 29, 2015.

The Provincial Information Commission (KIP) trial in Bengkulu on Wednesday was presided by Bengkulu KIP commissioners which consist of Tri Susanti, Ifsyanusi and Emex Verzoni and was attended by plaintiff Bengkulu Walhi and Bengkulu BPN as defendant.

Tri Susanti explained that the information requested by Walhi is only open for those who are concerned. In the consequence test, BPN could not prove the reason that the if the information is opened, it could be used for business competition.

“KIP grants all of the plaintiff’s requests and asks defendant to give all of the plaintiff’s requests. BPN’s reason that stated the requested data is exempt information, could not be proven by BPN in the consequence test,” said Tri Susanti during the reading of the verdict. She advised the party unsatisfied with the decision to file a lawsuit to the State Administrative Court (PTUN).

This information dispute began when Bengkulu Walhi on February 13 sent a letter to the BPN requesting the list of HGU and plantation maps, including those of PT Sandabi Indah Lestari (SIL), PTPN VII and PT Agriandalas. The three companies are locked in land dispute with the people of Seluma Regency.