Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Andi R. Djajadi warned on Tuesday (9/12/2025) that 22 palm oil mills across the province are operating without core plantations, raising concerns over supply security and unlawful sourcing of fresh fruit bunches (FFB). 

“They may have permits, but they have no guaranteed raw material supply from their own plantations,” he said, as quoted by antaranews.com.

The mills are located in Banyuasin, Muara Enim, Musi Rawas, and Musi Banyuasin. Chief Andi noted that the absence of core plantations increases the risk of unhealthy competition for FFB and encourages illegal practices, including theft. 

“This situation can create alternative oil supply chains, known as ram sawit, which are often linked to illegal FFB transactions,” he said.

South Sumatra recorded 373 FFB theft cases in 2025, with 456 suspects named. Governor Herman Deru said the trend could undermine plantation investment confidence.

The province has 997,559 hectares of oil palm plantations managed by 277 companies.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)