Conservation area converted into farmland

BANJARNAGARA, Central Java: Some 30 hectares of the 101- hectare Dieng Temple archeological conservation area in Banjarnagara has been turned into farmland by local residents, an official said.

A staff member at the local education and culture office, Ngudi Utomo, said his office had tried to prevent locals from moving into the conservation area, which is protected by law, but to no avail.

"Locals have planted potatoes in the conservation area and have even threatened to ransack the temple if they are forced off the land," he said on Thursday.

Banjarnagara Regent Djasri S.T. said he had reported the matter to President Megawati Soekarnoputri, but had not yet heard back from her.

"We are also coordinating with the local police to monitor the temple, which has historical value," he said. --JP