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| Stop Exploiting West Kalimantan Natural Resources Without Giving Back to the People. |
West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Krisantus Kurniawan didn’t hold back when he called out the exploitation of natural resources that leaves local communities in poverty. At the 18th anniversary celebration of Kubu Raya Regency on July 17, 2025, he made it crystal clear how he feels about companies that profit from the land but give nothing in return.
He slammed investors who show up just to take palm oil or mine resources without caring about the economic conditions of the locals. In his words, West Kalimantan is not a place to be drained dry without responsibility.
If you're here just to grab palm oil or mine stuff and leave the people poor, I’m not staying quiet. West Kalimantan is not your playground. I want the natural wealth of this region to actually improve people’s lives, he said with passion.
Krisantus also pushed hard for companies operating in the region to actually take their social responsibility seriously. He stressed how important it is to hire local workers and empower communities with real, meaningful programs.
It’s not just about hiring laborers. Our educated locals deserve important roles too. Give them space to grow. Don’t waste our local talent, he added.
His message is loud and clear. Development in West Kalimantan shouldn't just benefit a few big players. It has to touch the lives of the real people living there. The wealth of this land should mean prosperity, not just numbers in some corporate report.