Farmers seek return of land

BANDUNG: Claiming they feared "tough" action from their wives, about 15 Lengkong villagers, from Sukabumi regency, demanded on Monday that they get a written assurance from the West Java provincial council about getting their land back.

Amas, the leader of the villagers, told legislator Ali Rahman they would occupy the legislative building if Ali failed to give them a written guarantee that they would ask private plantation firm PT Tugu Cimenteng to return their land.

"Our wives are desperate to ensure our rights for our land. They told us not to return home before we get an assurance from you," Amas told Ali.

According to Amas, the company hired hoodlums to terrorize the farmers to abandon the land, which was claimed by the company as its property.

The farmers left the building after Ali promised to visit their land on Friday and signed a letter promising to look into the case.(25)