Respecting Indigenous Rights and the Environment, PT ACP Facilitates the Development of Customary Land Use Plans in Merauke
MERAUKE – PT Agriprima Cipta Persada (ACP) once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development and the protection of indigenous peoples’ rights. From 9–18 December 2025, the Company facilitated the preparation of Customary Land Use Planning documents, known as Integrated Conservation and Land Use Plans (ICLUP), together with customary landowners (ulayat communities) within its operational area.
This initiative represents a strategic step by the Company in planning future land development that is not only productive but also environmentally and socially responsible, in accordance with the High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA) standards.
The ICLUP preparation process was conducted by applying the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). PT ACP engaged an independent consultant, Ekologika Consultant, as a facilitator to ensure transparency and objectivity throughout the process. The initiation of this planning involved four customary clans that proactively requested the development of oil palm plantations under a partnership scheme, namely Mahuze Elmeand Clan, Mahuze Dayo Clan, Zohe Clan, and Ndiken Malindan Clan.
Through participatory mapping, customary territories were classified into five main zoning categories, each with specific functions agreed upon collectively. Zones 1 and 2 were designated as conservation areas to be protected by the clans. Zone 3 was allocated as a food security area to meet the community’s basic needs. For economic development purposes, Zone 4 was designated for smallholder oil palm plantations under a partnership (plasma) scheme, while Zone 5 was allocated for the Company’s nucleus plantation area.
A key aspect of this process was the autonomy of the communities in decision-making. Each clan conducted internal deliberations independently, without intervention from any party, to determine their consent regarding the agreed zoning.
Ismail Mahuze, a representative of the Mahuze Dayo Clan, stated that the conservation zones (Zones 1 and 2) have been agreed upon to be preserved and protected.
“Meanwhile, in Zone 4, PT Agriprima Cipta Persada will develop plasma plantations as a form of partnership for our clan,” said Ismail.
A similar view was expressed by Enggel Mahuze from the Mahuze Elmeand Clan. He expressed his hope that the plasma plantations would be located close to the Company’s nucleus plantations to facilitate access and management. Enggel also emphasized the importance of clan involvement in forest monitoring to ensure sustainable area management.
The ICLUP documents, which were subsequently legalized by a notary, serve as concrete evidence of PT ACP’s compliance with its No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation (NDPE) policy.
This initiative ensures that new land development is based on integrated scientific studies—including High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS) assessments that have passed international quality panel verification—while fully respecting the rights of indigenous peoples as strategic partners of the Company in Papua.
Source :
