Govt gives out peanuts in return for dump

Wahyuana, Bekasi

The Bekasi administration finally distributed on Monday compensation to residents in the vicinity of Jakarta's Bantar Gebang dump.

About 12,000 families of Cikiwul, Ciketing Udik and Sumur Batu villages will each receive Rp 100,000 (US$11.5) over two months.

The compensation was demanded by residents, who rejected the reopening of the dump in January, as unprocessed waste there had polluted the area and caused respiratory illnesses, skin problems and diarrhea since 1986.

The latest strike against the reopened dump was on May 5, when residents blocked the dump's entrance and demanded the administration to fulfill its promise to provide compensation.

Spokesman Cecep Sutandi said the administration had disbursed on Friday half of the Rp 1.4 billion provided by appointed dump operator PT Patriot Bekasi Bangkit toward the compensation.

"Half of this amount has been disbursed to three village administrations ... each family will receive Rp 50,000 on Monday and another Rp 50,000 next month," he said.

"We expect no more protests. We will give them other facilities such as roads, schools and health services as further compensation."

However, not all were satisfied with the compensation package.

"It's too little money when compared with the environmental damage the dump has caused. Residents have told the administration that we would accept the reopening of the dump, but on one condition: better waste management.

"The administration should build a higher wall around the dump, provide clean water and fumigate the area weekly to kill flies, as well as provide free health services," said Domon, 50, of Ciketing Udik, who lives about 100 meters from the dump.

The Jakarta administration has established the Kartini Health Clinic at Bantar Gebang dump, but the service is for scavengers and not residents.

Another resident, Rokib, 35, said: "The money could not compensate for the stench, which can be smelled for a 10- kilometer radius from the dump".

The head of the survey team established by the Bekasi Council for Bantar Gebang dump, Wahyu Prihandono, also deplored the administration's stance on compensation.

"It would be better that the administration provide health insurance for the residents instead of giving them money, which will not last long," he said.