Mass Protests at Governor’s Office Demand Action Against RMK Energy’s Permits
Berita Warga 
PALEMBANG, – The demonstration at the Governor’s office in South Sumatra, dozens from the Environmental Rescue Action Committee rallied, urging Acting Governor Agus Fatoni to take decisive action against the allegation of spatial violations by RMK Energy (RMKE).
The protesters claim that RMKE’s operations directly impact the environment and communities along the Musi River. According to the action coordinator, Andreas OP, the environmental violations allegation by RMKE, particularly in port activities causing pollution, are in violation of regional spatial plans.
The establishment of a port in Muara Belida, Muara Enim, allegedly contradicts Regional Regulation No. 13/2018 on Spatial Planning for Muara Enim District (2018-2038) and Regional Regulation No. 11/2016 on Spatial Planning for South Sumatra Province (2016-2036).
Andreas emphasized that RMKE’s activities are at odds with the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (KLHS) of South Sumatra, as indicated by recent sanctions from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The controversy extends to the Advice Planning issued by the Muara Enim Regency in 2019, which, instead of serving as a reference for further permits, is suspected to have been used as a basis for official approval.
The demonstrators called for the immediate formation of a team by the South Sumatra Provincial Government to conduct an environmental audit and supervision in the company’s area.
The issue began with complaints from Selat Punai residents in Pulokerto, Gandus, reporting coal dust pollution from the port’s activities to the South Sumatra Regional Police since 2021.
The protesters directly appealed to the Acting Governor to ensure the government’s presence amid such corporate violations, expressing dissatisfaction with previous promises that led to no concrete actions.
RMKE has made efforts to address environmental issues, but new problems related to spatial planning have emerged. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has given RMKE 90 days to rectify the situation.
The demonstrators urged the Acting Governor to summon the Acting Regent of Muara Enim and the Acting Mayor of Palembang to collaborate on permanently closing the company’s operations.
The Acting Governor’s representative, Kurniawan, explained that the permit dispute resulted from changes in territorial boundaries, promising a reevaluation of the regulatory framework to address the situation. He confirmed that RMKE faced sanctions and ongoing monitoring to prevent rule violations affecting public health.
Regarding the company’s reopening, Kurniawan stated that it falls under the authority of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and field checks would determine whether the company had received approval to resume operations.
The protesters claim that RMKE’s operations directly impact the environment and communities along the Musi River. According to the action coordinator, Andreas OP, the environmental violations allegation by RMKE, particularly in port activities causing pollution, are in violation of regional spatial plans.
The establishment of a port in Muara Belida, Muara Enim, allegedly contradicts Regional Regulation No. 13/2018 on Spatial Planning for Muara Enim District (2018-2038) and Regional Regulation No. 11/2016 on Spatial Planning for South Sumatra Province (2016-2036).
Andreas emphasized that RMKE’s activities are at odds with the Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (KLHS) of South Sumatra, as indicated by recent sanctions from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.
The controversy extends to the Advice Planning issued by the Muara Enim Regency in 2019, which, instead of serving as a reference for further permits, is suspected to have been used as a basis for official approval.
The demonstrators called for the immediate formation of a team by the South Sumatra Provincial Government to conduct an environmental audit and supervision in the company’s area.
The issue began with complaints from Selat Punai residents in Pulokerto, Gandus, reporting coal dust pollution from the port’s activities to the South Sumatra Regional Police since 2021.
The protesters directly appealed to the Acting Governor to ensure the government’s presence amid such corporate violations, expressing dissatisfaction with previous promises that led to no concrete actions.
RMKE has made efforts to address environmental issues, but new problems related to spatial planning have emerged. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry has given RMKE 90 days to rectify the situation.
The demonstrators urged the Acting Governor to summon the Acting Regent of Muara Enim and the Acting Mayor of Palembang to collaborate on permanently closing the company’s operations.
The Acting Governor’s representative, Kurniawan, explained that the permit dispute resulted from changes in territorial boundaries, promising a reevaluation of the regulatory framework to address the situation. He confirmed that RMKE faced sanctions and ongoing monitoring to prevent rule violations affecting public health.
Regarding the company’s reopening, Kurniawan stated that it falls under the authority of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and field checks would determine whether the company had received approval to resume operations.
