What is happening here is all about money, the people needs money(economical issues to cope with standard of living), the government wants money(greediness that leads to corruption & bribery acceptance), it all happens that natural resources(oil palm) brings economic well-being(pretty much fast and easy money) caused by the valuation of it by the world.
These few main factors leads to government promote oil palm industry by subsidies or whatever support, business people makes big money, pay under table money to the various department i.e. environmental department, linking up with family members(often giving shares) of those who are in power(politically) for favour to keep an eye close on whatever is happening. The people(citizens) remain silent for 3 main reason, first is the culture of being easy going, second being job opportunities as majority of people out of main city are economically relying on this industry, also considering the misused of political power by governing parties to suppress freedom of speech(the rich keeps quiet and continue the benefits while the middle class & poor continue getting “punishment”from speaking out)
This is a very general picture of what is going on in Malaysia and pretty similar case for Indonesia