Farmers burdened by landowner's request
Farmers burdened by landowner's request
TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of Cihuni farmers in Legok district
here are seeking help from Tangerang regent Agus Djunara in their
dispute with the owner of a plot on which they are cultivating
crops.
Villagers said on Wednesday the sudden demand of property
developer PT Telaga Gading Serpong to a third of proceeds from
crop sales was burdensome for them. They cultivate bananas,
cassava, corn and other vegetables on the 147 hectares, an
undeveloped portion of the firm's huge housing complex.
"Principally, we have no objection to the company's request to
earn some money from the yields," Sofyan, 35, a leader of the
group, told reporters.
"But asking for a one-third portion of the total harvest
burdens us because we have spent quite a lot of money, such as
for the fertilizer and transportation, to cultivate and sell the
crops."
Villagers claim Telaga Gading Serpong's management threatened
them in a meeting last month with eviction from the site unless
they were willing to fulfill the demand.
Farmers began cultivation at the site six months ago with the
company's permission.
A crowd of top officials, including West Java Governor R.
Nuriana, were on hand to witness Telaga Gading Serpong's public
goodwill gesture in a ceremony to mark the first cultivation
season.
During the ceremony, Sofyan said, the company's management
told assembled guests the farmers were not expected to hand over
their produce.
He acknowledged a stated condition was that farmers relinquish
the plot whenever the company requested.
According to Sofyan, the developer's demand would translate
into Rp 100,000 from every metric ton of cassava at the current
rate of Rp 300,000 per ton.
"It's too burdensome. After the fertilizer and transportation
costs, the remainder should be shared among 224 farmers on
average," he said.
"We therefore only want to share proceeds earned from the
harvest with Telaga Gading Serpong based on a system approved by
the farmers."
Farmers are about to harvest 20 tons of cassava and two tons
of rice.
Ariesman Widjaya, the company's field project manager, said
the management was forced to make the "problematic" request due
to inevitable financial problems faced by the company during the
economic crisis.
He said the funds were badly needed to prevent layoffs.
"We have a big labor force. It's impossible to sell houses
during this time," Ariesman said, referring to residences located
on another portion of the huge site.
He acknowledged the developer was unable to develop the site
during the crisis, but would continue to allow farmers to plant
crops in an arrangement based on "mutual understanding".
"We both have to give benefits to each other and I think one-
third already makes sense. On other idle land, the owners ask for
a 50-50 split."
He said no request for a proceed share was made at the
launching ceremony because the company was not suffering
financial difficulties at the time.
Separately, Agus Djunara pledged to check on the villagers'
complaint with the Legok chief.
He believed Telaga Gading Serpong's request was unusual.
"It's uncommon for a developer to ask for a share of the
harvest because the farmers have to buy fertilizers and plants,
which needs a lot of money," he said.
"Should the developer really intend to obtain a certain
portion of the harvest, they should discuss the matter as early
as possible without having to worry the farmers." (41/bsr)