Luwu. The Luwu Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) has urged the reopening of the blocked Rante Balla access road through persuasive measures and in accordance with the law, as a blockade lasting more than a week continues to disrupt access to the area.

The council’s Commission I held a public hearing on Friday, attended by Luwu Regent, the local police chief, the district prosecutor, and the deputy military commander representing the district military commander. The meeting was intended to provide a forum for the disputing parties to discuss a resolution.

However, the effort to bring all parties to the table fell short, as representatives of the group identifying itself as the Indigenous People of Rante Balla, locally called Anak Adat Rante Balla, did not attend, despite the dispute directly involving land claims and the road blockade.

The hearing produced five recommendations, including a call to restore road access through a persuasive approach and in compliance with legal requirements. The measure is intended to ensure the distribution of fuel, logistics supplies, and the continuation of community and corporate activities in areas not subject to the dispute.

The council also warned that the blockade must be addressed promptly to prevent the escalation of horizontal conflict that could threaten the region’s social, economic and security stability. The reopening of the road is planned to be carried out jointly with elements of the Luwu Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).

On the land dispute, Commission I reaffirmed its respect for the recommendations issued by House of Representatives Commission III. However, it stressed that the suspension of activities during the resolution process should apply only to land directly involved in the dispute. Activities outside the disputed area may continue in accordance with the law.

This means the recommendations issued by House Commission III cannot be used as a basis for blocking road access to areas that are not under dispute.

The council also called on Masmindo Dwi Area (MDA) and its contractors to identify affected workers and prepare mitigation measures to prevent workers from being furloughed or laid off. The local government was also urged to protect the continuity of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), transportation services, suppliers and local businesses.

Meanwhile, all parties were urged to exercise restraint and refrain from intimidation or provocation. The council called for a joint resolution involving the local government, Forkopimda, the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), MDA and community representatives.

In its official statement, Commission I emphasized that the enforcement of land rights must not disregard other people’s rights to work and conduct business. Legal certainty and the continuity of law-abiding investment must be safeguarded in the interests of Luwu Regency.

Add as a preferred source on Google +