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