Agrinas Security Officer Kills Resident in North Labuhanbatu, Investigation Demanded Amid TNI Involvement Allegations

A bloody tragedy unfolded in Sukarame Baru Village, Kualuh Hulu District, North Labuhanbatu Regency, North Sumatra, on June 16. An incident involving security personnel from Agrinas Palma Nusantara resulted in the death of one resident and injuries to three others. Civil society organizations are demanding a thorough investigation into the case, without exception, particularly concerning the alleged involvement of two active and retired TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) officers. The victim who died was identified as Luis David Hutabarat, 32, who worked as a palm oil fruit weigher. The three injured farm laborers are Jhoni, 28, Doni Romadan, 29, and Sutomi, also known as Tomi, 31. Initial findings by KontraS Sumut (a civil society organization) indicate that Luis was found unconscious with his tongue protruding on Road K33, Path 3, within the management area of Agrinas, identified as the Palm Oil Plantation. The Advocacy Team for People Against Impunity (ARMI), a coalition including KontraS Sumut, LBH, Bakumsu, Huta Keadilan Associates, Fordam Susuba, GMNI Medan Branch, and GMKI Rantau Prapat Branch, released a preliminary report. They highlighted the involvement of Sergeant Major Buana Delly, an active TNI AD member serving in Kodam I/Iskandar Muda, Aceh, who was assigned to secure the State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN), and Budiono, a retired TNI member who is also an employee of Agrinas. A witness described the chronology of the event. According to the witness, the conflict began when the four victims were returning after working to clear the fields of Ramlan Nainggolan, Luis's father-in-law. Around 4:00 PM, a group of individuals armed with machetes and clubs intercepted the victims who were riding motorcycles used for transporting harvested crops. "During the ambush, I saw them ram their motorcycles towards the victims, causing them to fall. Then, they proceeded to beat Doni and Tomi using clubs and their bare hands," the witness stated on June 24. The witness also reported that before the incident, Buana had threatened Luis, saying, "Come down here Luis, let's fight, I'll kill you." This incident underscores the persistent conflicts that often arise in Indonesia, particularly in plantation areas, involving local communities, corporate security forces, and sometimes, elements of the military. The demand for a comprehensive investigation and accountability for all parties involved, including military personnel, is crucial for upholding justice and preventing further such tragedies.