Jakarta troops turn farmers

JAKARTA (JP): The city military command is to send 500 soldiers to help open about 240 hectares of unused land in Greater Jakarta for agriculture. The land belongs mostly to property developers

The use of troops to open up the land for poor local farmers bearing the brunt of the economic crisis is part of the city administration's commitment to helping the poor.

Command spokesman Lt. Col. DJ Nachrowi said Wednesday that the military had found 50 ha of disused land in South Jakarta, 50 ha in West and East Jakarta, 40 ha in Central and North Jakarta, and another 100 ha in Tangerang and Bekasi.

"We are still finding more disused land that can be cultivated for quick-yielding crops," he said as quoted by Antara.

Nachrowi said the military command would deploy five companies of 100 soldiers and equipment -- such as hoes and tractors -- to help the farmers.

The government has guaranteed the property developers that they retain ownership of the land. (pan)