On 4 December 2023, two women human rights defenders from Rio Mukti village in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia were intimidated by staff and security agents from Astra Agro Lestari (AAL) – Indonesia’s second largest palm oil company. The staff and security agents arrived at the women's homes, insisting they sign a letter stating there is no land conflict between AAL-subsidiary PT Lestari Tani Teladan (PT LTT) and local communities. 

The visit came two days after WALHI (Friends of the Earth Indonesia) shared a video featuring the two defenders speaking about the adverse impacts of AAL’s operations and calling for the return of communities’ lands. Friends of the Earth called on all concerned parties, including Indonesian authorities, to intervene and de-escalate the situation immediately.

The Buisness & Human Rights Resouce Centre invited AAL to respond to allegations, their response can be found here.