PUBLIC OPINION IN ADDRESSING THE CONFLICT OF PT. RAPP IN PULAU PADANG, DISTRICT MERANTI SUBDISTRICT MERBAU

Abstract

PT. RAPP (PT Riau Andalan Pulp and Paper) is a company that
manufactures pulp and have a timber plantations to create a seamless quality
paper, which has now crossed in the Pulau Padang, district Meranti, subdistrict
merbau. So that has led to conflicts between people and PT RAPP. The conflict
began from December of 2009 until now there is no way the solution of the local
government. People has been assumed that if the ongoing forest cultivation by PT.
RAPP in Pulau Padang , will likely hamper the needs of forest products that have
been used for decades by the people who inhabit the island. This study aims to
determine how the public opinion against the conflict of PT RAPP in Pulau
Padang, subdistrict merbau district Meranti, as well as the factors that influence
the formation of public opinion against the conflict of PT RAPP in Pulau Padang.
This study used qualitative methods of data collection were obtained based
on the fact that occurs through observation and interviews. Informants in this
study amounted to 12 people, consisting of (headman, society, chairman of Riau
Farmers Union (STR), Public figures and Public Relations of PT RAPP). Data
analysis techniques used in this research is to use interactive data analysis model
of Hubermen and Miles, using the technique of checking the validity of the data is
triangulation techniques and extension participation.
From the results of the study showed that public opinion against the
conflict of PT RAPP in Pulau Padang subdistricts merbau district meranti is very
detrimental to people in the area. people of Pulau Padang would still reject the
entry of PT RAPP (Riau Andalan Puld & Paper) in Pulau Padang, because the
company is considered to take public land. The forest in Pulau Padang is an
expanse of peat and most of the people are very dependent on the forest products
in the region
Keyword : Opinion, Communication, Conflict