Lapindo Mud Compensation: PPLS Synchronising Rp1.5 Trillion Outstanding Debt Data
The Sidoarjo Mud Flow Control Centre (PPLS) is intensifying coordination with a Task Force (Satgas) to conduct the validation and synchronisation of compensation payment data for residents affected by the mud overflow. This step is being taken to resolve the rights of citizens that have been pending for many years.
The synchronisation process includes the verification of data for residents located both within and outside the Affected Area Map (PAT). This effort is considered crucial as it involves tracing historical records from the era of the Sidoarjo Mud Flow Management Agency (BPLS) and payment documents previously managed by PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya.
The Head of the PPLS Specific Vertical Working Unit, Willem S, emphasised that the re-tracing is being conducted to ensure data accuracy and to prevent administrative errors during the payment process. “We are continuously conducting re-tracing to prevent overlapping or incorrect information. Data from PIMS, Minarak Lapindo, and the Sidoarjo Regency Government will be collaborated within the Task Force to ensure the smooth process of compensation for residents,” said Willem following a meeting with the Regent of Sidoarjo, Subandi, and representatives of the mud victims at the Sidoarjo Regency Office on Tuesday.
According to data from the Chairman of the Lapindo Mud Victim Communication Forum, Akhmad Basuni, the compensation settlement still leaves a significant outstanding balance. It is recorded that 200 compensation claim files have not yet been settled by PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya. The breakdown of these unresolved files consists of 32 files belonging to business groups and 168 files belonging to affected residents. “The total unpaid compensation reaches Rp1.5 trillion,” Basuni stated.
Through the PPLS and the Task Force, the government hopes that intensive data synchronisation will bring clarity to the rights of residents and entrepreneurs. Collaboration between central and regional governments is key to ensuring all payment obligations are settled transparently and accountably. As of now, the validation process continues in the field, involving various related parties to ensure no residents are missed in the re-enumeration process.
Exactly 20 years have passed since the first eruption of hot mud disrupted the peace of Porong, Sidoarjo, on 29 May 2006. The Sidoarjo Mud Flow Control Centre (PPLS) is currently focusing on coordinating with the Task Force to validate and synchronise compensation payment data. The Sidoarjo Regency Government is committed to resolving the compensation issues resulting from the social disaster of the Lapindo mud, which has been prolonged for approximately 20 years. Twenty years since 29 May 2006, the Lapindo mud eruption remains active, having submerged residential areas and damaged various infrastructure. The government, through the Ministry of Environment (KLH), will update the environmental study documents for the handling of the Lapindo mud in Sidoarjo Regency, East Java.