Lippo-style 'KKN'

Lippo-style 'KKN'

From Suara Karya

There seems to be no end to land ownership problems in this country. A particular problem is land which belongs to common people but is taken over by businesspeople in cooperation with the authorities. The outcome of such cases is predictable; the businesspeople win despite the case being processed in the courts. This is not an insult to the authorities, it is the truth.

I own some 37 hectares of land in Sumur Batu village, Citeureup subdistrict, Bogor regency, West Java. The land has definitely belonged to me since 1981. My payment of the land and building tax is proof of my ownership of the land. I also hold a girik certificate (title of land ownership) legalized by the local administration.

Incidentally, my land lies within the sphere of PT Bukit Sentul (part of the Lippo Group). As if struck by thunder, I learned one day that PT Bukit Sentul claimed ownership of my land.

I made every effort to contact the company, but to no avail. The Lippo Group considers themselves the rightful owners of the land. This is understandable because they are well-connected with the people in power. The arbitrary action taken against me by the Lippo Group was clearly unfair because they took possession of the land without any compromise.

What can I do? What steps should I take? Is it possible for the little people to take any action against the tycoons behind the Lippo Group?

We are still patient and wise, so let's settle this matter peacefully. We must uphold the principle of deliberation to arrive at an agreement.

I am waiting for their answer.

SOENARYO

Jakarta