Villagers reject graveyard's removal<\/p>\n
TANGERANG: Residents of Lengkong Gudang Barat village,
\nTangerang regency, said on Friday they would oppose plans by
\nprivate developer Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) to move some 300
\ngraves from the village graveyard.<\/p>\n
\"If BSD continue with the removal of the graves, we will hold
\na demonstration at the regency council building and at the
\ndeveloper's office,\" one of the villagers, Toto Mashutolah, said.<\/p>\n
Toto said most of the residents opposed the removal of the
\ngraves, despite efforts by some village officials to get
\nresidents to go along with the plan.<\/p>\n
One village official, Gozali, said BSD would exchange a 1.5-
\nhectare plot of land in the village for the 1.2-hectare
\ngraveyard.<\/p>\n
Gozali said BSD hoped to develop a business center where the
\ngraveyard now stands, surrounded by luxury houses.<\/p>\n
\"The graveyard will be used to extend the housing complex,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
However, BSD spokesman Dhony Rahajoe said the developer would
\nuse the graveyard to develop public facilities, including a park.<\/p>\n
\"We will not force residents to go along with the plan if they
\noppose the land exchange,\" he said.<\/p>\n
A member of the regency council, Habib Alwi, said he had heard
\nof the matter but the villagers had yet to bring the matter to
\nthe council.<\/p>\n
\"If they come here, we will meet with them,\" Alwi said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, several workers were seen digging up tombs in the
\ngraveyard on Thursday. They said they were paid Rp 50,000 per
\ngrave they dug up. -- JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/villagers-reject-graveyards-removal-1447893297",
"image": ""
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