Fajarasia.co – PT Poso Energy said that the payment of compensation to hundreds of farmers affected by the construction of the Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) in Tentena, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi Province has been completed.
“As we have said some time ago, in early June we have completed compensation to farmers whose land has been affected by the company’s activities in 17 villages,” said PT Poso Energy Public Relations Agus Syamsi when contacted from Palu, Tuesday (14/6/2022).
He explained that compensation payments will be made in two stages starting in 2021 and ending in 2022, which is a short-term response that has become the company’s commitment to resolve this issue.
However, his party admits that there are obstacles that occur due to farmers’ dissatisfaction with company policies.
In fact, his party claims that the compensation payment has complied with the standards that have been jointly determined, namely regarding the analysis of hydrological and climatological data for lakes and rivers in Poso from 1972 to 2019, studies of topographic maps, land use maps, and bathymetric maps of Lake Poso.
In addition, referring to the results of interviews with residents who live and work on land along Lake Poso, as well as documentation using drones and monitoring of 50 centimeter resolution satellite imagery for the 2019-2022 period.
“Payments are adjusted according to predetermined standards. For farmers in Meko Village, the payment was completed on June 3 to 78 farmers, accompanied by the signing of the minutes and witnessed by the local village head,” said Agus.
It also ensures that there are no attempts to coerce farmers into receiving compensation. On the other hand, the company embraces the farmers around Lake Poso.
Companies operating in the electrical energy sector pay compensation to farmers of around Rp. 13 billion for phase two.
“There is no pressure whatsoever, this is purely the company’s responsibility for the people affected by our activities. Our activities are carried out in Lake Poso to fulfill electrical energy which is a long-term need,” said Agus.****
