Morowali land blockades face legal action after royal heirs deny authorization

Gusti Riadi and his group face potential legal consequences following a series of land blockades in the Seba-seba area of Morowali. The blockades targeted mining concession areas belonging to the Mining Industry Indonesia (MIND ID) group, specifically within the operational territory of PT Vale.

While the actions were initially presented as an indigenous struggle, the legal heirs of the last Raja Bungku, Raja Abdul Rabbie, have officially clarified that they never provided authorization or customary blessing for these blockades. Abdul Hamid Hasyim, representing the royal heirs, stated that the group’s actions were incorrect and that the family strongly objects to the unauthorized use of the Raja’s name to legitimize unilateral land claims.

Because the blockades lack valid customary rights, the actions are being treated as criminal violations of state law. The group faces potential charges including forgery under Article 263 of the Criminal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of six years, alongside other potential criminal indictments.