Here’s a news update from Pakel Village, Licin, Banyuwangi! The agrarian conflict that is happening there is getting support and solidarity from many people, including those from Tulungagung. It all started with the arrest of three Pakel residents, namely Mulyadi, Suwarno, and Untung by the East Java Regional Police (POLDA JATIM) in Rogojampi. They were arrested when they were going to attend a village head association meeting on Friday (3/2).



It's great that there are lots of support and solidarity actions, which were manifested in a "Film Screening and Public Discussion" event at Loka Kopi on February 24th, 2023. There were two films shown, "Love Letter from Pantura" and "Pakel: Agrarian Struggle in Banyuwangi". The event was initiated by the Gigi Berkawatn community, and it was attended by three key speakers, Harun, Sri Maryati, and Taufiqurochim from TEKAD GARUDA. In addition, there were representatives from the Segara Student Activity Unit (UKM) from the Islamic University of Kadiri (UNISKA) and several solidarity comrades from Blitar who attended in person.


The event started at 3:00 PM and began with a documentary film screening of "Love Letter from Pantura" followed by "Pakel: Agrarian Struggle in Banyuwangi". These documentary films are important to raise awareness of the agrarian conflict and to foster solidarity towards the struggle of the Pakel community who are facing land seizure. It was a really exciting and engaging event!


During the event, we discussed the fascinating history of the agrarian conflict, the experiences of the village residents in fighting for their land rights, and the dark notes regarding the legal violations that had occurred there.


Unfortunately, there was also some bad news that three Pakel farmers, namely Mulyadi, Suwarno, and Untung, were arrested by the East Java Regional Police on charges of violating Law No. 1/1946 on the criminal act of spreading fake news that incites unrest. The fake news was related to Suwarno's claim as the heir of Pakel residents based on the appointment certificate named Sri Bginda Ratu on January 11th, 1929, which is questioned for its legality.


However, there are some who denied that the statement was false. According to Taufiq as a legal representative of Pakel, there are several administrative documents that show that the 1929 agreement was approved by legal officials during colonial times and still holds legal standing. Although it must be processed under the current agrarian laws, Taufiq believes that the government did not provide protection to Pakel residents at that time.


Meanwhile, in the midst of the discussion, there was sudden news about the arrest of three farmers from Pakel who were accused of spreading false news and causing unrest. It's unusual because the unrest mentioned was not directly related to the three farmers.


Apparently, there was a clash that occurred between the residents and the police due to the disputed land. Police forces suddenly entered Pakel Village, which triggered a conflict with the residents. Finally, violence and clashes erupted. This incident was the actual cause of the unrest, not the false news accused toward the three farmers.


Again, it seems like a matter of ignorance and unprofessionalism from those who are responsible. The arrest of the three farmers was not even accompanied by clearly defined documents and assignments. It is indeed very disappointing. Even though the Pakel residents have fought tirelessly to protect their land from PT. Bumi Sari, many have become victims of violence and even kidnapping.


Thus, a film screening and public discussion was held to address the issue. It is hoped that the community can stand in solidarity and uphold the truth so that justice can be achieved for the Pakel residents who were criminalized.


One participant even expressed hope that the three farmers who were declared suspects would be released and that there would be no more criminalization in Pakel or elsewhere. The event was then concluded with performances from the participants, who conveyed their solidarity. It was really amazing!