Guntur residents refuse to move

Hundreds of residents of the Guntur district in South Jakarta have rejected an offer of Rp 800,000 (US$367) per square meter from developer PT IC for the appropriation of their two hectare plots of land.

The residents, who have been living in the area over the last 30 years, are demanding Rp 1.5 million or Rp 2 million per square meter for the land.

Eddy Marzuki, 55, one of the residents, said that he turned down the offer because he believes PT IC is going to make big profits from commercial buildings to be constructed in the area. His refusal was seconded by Bahfen, a widow with eight children, who demanded Rp 1.5 million per square meter.

PT IC received the permit to appropriate five hectares of land in July 1990 but after much negotiation with residents, the firm was forced to renew its offer every six months.

At first the price was set at Rp 400,000 then rose to RP 600,000 in this year.

The residents have complained that PT IC neglects the other areas which have already been appropriated.

Erna, another resident, said, "The neglected areas are probably used to force us into leaving our current homes as soon as possible and in order sell the lands cheaply." (22)