The sheer power of the plantation mafia is apparent from the conduct of hundreds of oil palm companies in Riau Province. At a time when the state is trying to increase revenues, hundreds of these companies avoid paying taxes on their income, on value added and on their land and buildings.

The Oil Palm Plantation Funds Management Agency (BPDPKS) has not violated any rule with regards to it use. Established as a public service agency, it has a free hand to use the funds as it deems necessary. But it is precisely this free hand that is raising questions, such as mis-targeted allocations which could undermine the very objective of the Fund's establishment.