'Investigate irregularities'

JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor Idroes ordered yesterday the Central Jakarta Mayor to investigate reports authorities had illegally cut land compensation money to residents in Gunung Sahari Utara.

Idroes said officials found guilty should return the money and be punished.

On Thursday, 10 delegates representing 120 families complained to the City Council.

The residents had been ordered to move from their shanties along the Kali Mati canal and were entitled to Rp 105,000 compensation per square metre.

However, the delegates told the council local authorities had said the residents had to pay the authorities between Rp 500,000 and Rp 1 million.

The residents said they did not know why they had to pay.

Residents said they were intimidated into accepting the compensation deal.

On Tuesday the mayoralty ordered the homes to be demolished in seven days.

The residents, who are mostly food sellers, have an average of 28 square meters of land each. (ste)