Musi Banyuasin, KOTABARI.COM – Over 1,500 members of the Muba Oil Distillers Association (PPMM) conducted a peaceful demonstration at the Muba Regency Government Office this morning. They rallied to seek protection and assistance from Acting Regent Apriyadi Mahmud regarding their oil distillation activities. During the demonstration, representatives of the group were given the opportunity to have a direct dialogue with the Acting Regent.
Redi Gustro, the Chairman of PPMM, stated that the purpose of the demonstration was to request protection and support from the Acting Regent to ensure the continuity of their oil distillation activities, which are essential for supporting their families. Redi explained that currently, there are approximately 700 distillation units spread across eight sub-districts in Muba Regency.
“With one distillation unit, we can employ five workers. Hence, thousands of families rely on income generated from the oil distillation activities in Muba,” he said.
Redi emphasized that the members of PPMM are ready to be guided, mentored, and registered officially for tax purposes. They hope that the Muba Regency Government can support their activities to ensure safety and comfort during their operations.
Another representative of the protesters, Subairin, added that they also requested the Muba Regency Government and Forkopimda (Regional Leadership Communication Forum) to protect and support the oil distillation activities. Should there be any concerns about potential impacts, they are willing to receive guidance and education to ensure environmental preservation.
Responding to the demands of the demonstrators, Acting Regent Apriyadi Mahmud expressed gratitude for the peaceful and orderly demonstration. He explained that the Muba Regency Government is doing its best to provide protection to the community. However, he clarified that oil distillation activities are subject to regulations beyond the jurisdiction of the Muba Regency.
The Acting Regent stated that the safety of the workers involved in oil distillation activities and the preservation of the environment are of utmost concern to the Muba Regency Government. He acknowledged that workplace accidents and environmental pollution have been ongoing issues in the region. The responsibility of the Muba Regency Government and law enforcement agencies is to enforce regulations and protect the community.
Apriyadi further emphasized that the Muba Regency Government is continuously working to improve the management of local oil wells to ensure compliance with regulations. He reiterated that the primary responsibility of the Muba Regency is to protect the community and the environment.
Also present at the dialogue were Muba Police Chief, AKBP Imam Safii SIK MSi, who promised to conduct a census of the oil distillation activities. He also warned the public to stay away from narcotics.
During the event, Acting Regent Apriyadi Mahmud was accompanied by Dandim 0401 Muba, Letkol Inf Erry Dwianto SPsi MHan, Kapolres Muba, AKBP Imam Safii SIK MSi, as well as other officials from the Muba Regency Government.