Bekasi landowners refuse to sell up

Bekasi landowners refuse to sell up

BEKASI: A project comprising the construction of four railway
tracks that would connect Manggarai, Jakarta, and Cikarang,
Bekasi, may not go ahead, due to resistance from landowners.

"The project should be underway by mid-2005, but delays are
likely as residents have been refusing to sell their land for
below its market value," councillor Roy Achyar, who chairs
Council Commission D for development, was quoted as saying by
Antara.

Taman Juanda housing complex in Bekasi Timur is among land
sought for the project. The price offered for one square meter of
land is Rp 201,500 (US$22,64), or one tenth of its market value
of Rp 2 million.

Roy said the commission would invite transportation officials
to begin negotiations over the amount of the compensation. -- JP