Nagan Raya, August 19, 2025 – The APEL Green Aceh Foundation together with the Civil Society Network officially reported the delay in the execution of the Supreme Court Decision Number 651 K/Pdt/2015 to the Indonesian Judicial Commission (KY) and the Supreme Court Supervisory Body (Bawas MA).

This momentum coincides with the 80th anniversary of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia. Rather than being celebrated with pride, the fact that a crucial environmental decision has been left to languish for nine years actually tarnishes the reputation of Indonesia's highest judicial institution.

PT Kallista Alam itself has been subject to various court decisions, from the Meulaboh District Court to the Supreme Court, with a total obligation of Rp 366 billion, consisting of Rp 114.3 billion for material compensation and Rp 251.7 billion for environmental restoration costs. Although the company is known to have begun paying compensation in installments, to date, environmental restoration and the payment of Rp 5 million per day of forced payment for the delay in implementing the decision have not been fully implemented.

Tripa Swamp on the Verge of Extinction

Tripa Swamp is one of the world's most important tropical peatlands, part of the Leuser Ecosystem (LEE), which serves as a critical habitat for Sumatran orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and various other endangered species. Besides its high ecological value, this area plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate crisis prevention.

The delay in executing this ruling has exacerbated ecosystem damage. Burning and unrestored peatlands will release massive greenhouse gas emissions, trigger flooding, drought, and eliminate livelihoods for communities on Aceh's west coast.

"This ruling is a milestone in environmental law enforcement in Indonesia. But if it remains unenforced for nine years, the message of justice will be hollow," asserted Syukur, Executive Director of APEL Green Aceh.

Allegations of Negligence and Closed-End Agreements

APEL Green Aceh together with the civil society network assesses that this delay is in conflict with Article 4 paragraph (2) and (3) of Law No. 48 of 2009 concerning Judicial Power, Article 54 of Law No. 18 of 2011 concerning the Judicial Commission, and PERMA No. 8 of 2016 concerning Supervision and Development of Judges' Direct Superiors.

Furthermore, information has circulated regarding claims of a "peace settlement" or agreement outside the verdict, which is suspected to be the reason for the postponement of the execution. This is considered to have the potential to violate the principles of transparency and accountability and harm the public interest.

"We are concerned that there are attempts to 'obscure' the decision to benefit certain parties. This not only violates the law but also harms the environment and society," he added.

Pressure on the Judicial Commission and the Supreme Court Supervisory Agency

In an official report submitted today, the civil society network asks:

To the Indonesian Judicial Commission:

1. Examining the case execution process at the Meulaboh District Court.
2. Taking firm steps to ensure that the execution is carried out in accordance with the principles of legal certainty, justice, and benefit.
3. Ensuring the immediate restoration of Tripa Swamp.
4. Take action against parties who are negligent or hinder execution.

To the Republic of Indonesia Supreme Court Supervisory Body:

1. Examining the Meulaboh District Court, Suka Makmue District Court, and the Chief Justice of the Banda Aceh High Court regarding this case.
2. Ensure that there is no peace agreement that contradicts the verdict.
3. Announcing the results of the monitoring to the public.
4. Imposing sanctions on parties who hinder or neglect to implement decisions.

Bad Precedent for Law Enforcement

The PT Kallista Alam case once garnered international attention as evidence of Indonesia's ability to enforce environmental laws. However, the nearly decade-long delay sets a disastrous precedent, weakening the judiciary's authority and undermining the spirit of environmental protection.

The momentum of the 80th anniversary of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia should be a time of deep reflection: whether the Supreme Court truly stands to uphold justice, or whether it has simply allowed justice to stop on paper.

"True justice doesn't stop on paper; it must be present in the real world among the people and nature. If a verdict of this magnitude can be ignored, who can guarantee justice in other environmental cases?" concluded the Executive Director of APEL Green Aceh.