Cilacap villagers claim intimidation<\/p>\n
CILACAP, Central Java: Residents of three villages who filed
\ncomplaints with the regent and the regency legislative council
\nover polluting factories say they have been intimidated by local
\nofficials.<\/p>\n
The villagers lodged complaints earlier this week over
\npollution of the Cijalu River from a battery factory and a
\npiggery in the Majenang subdistrict.<\/p>\n
In response, regency officials reportedly threatened to arrest
\nthe villagers and block their access to their sand quarrying site
\nunless they withdraw their complaints.<\/p>\n
The villagers have sought help from the Yogyakarta office of
\nthe Indonesian Legal Aid Institute.<\/p>\n
The institute's lawyers are expected to act as intermediaries,
\npaving the way for talks between the villagers, the companies and
\nthe provincial administration.<\/p>\n
Journalists attempting to speak with regency officials for
\ncomment over the matter yesterday had their bicycle tires
\npunctured.<\/p>\n
Local military commander Col. Lintang Waluyo said he was
\ndisappointed that officials had sought to intimidate the people.
\nHe said he would punish any security officers involved in such
\nactivities. (wah)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/cilacap-villagers-claim-intimidation-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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