Only 35 Lapindo Compensation Files Remain Unresolved, One Victim Demands Rp1 Trillion
PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya claims that the compensation payment process for residents affected by the Lapindo mudflow overflow in Sidoarjo, East Java, within the Affected Area Map (PAT) has only 35 files remaining. The company stated it is prepared to finalise these payments once all data has been verified.
The President Director of PT Minarak Laponto Jaya, Bambang Prasetyo Widodo, emphasised the company’s commitment to fulfilling all obligations to eligible residents. However, the resolution of these 35 files is currently hindered by various administrative and legal obstacles on the ground.
“Based on our data, for the affected area map, there are only about 35 files left to be verified and resolved. We are ready to make payments according to valid data,” said Bambang following a meeting to accelerate the resolution of rights for affected residents at the Sidoarjo Regency Office on Wednesday.
Bambang revealed several reasons why the payment for these 35 files has not been completed. These include data discrepancies due to land-use changes, such as paddy fields being converted into residential yards. This is significant because paddy fields are compensated at Rp120,000 per square metre, whereas residential land is compensated at Rp1 million per square metre.
Additionally, there are internal disputes, specifically inheritance issues among the victims’ heirs, as well as domicile issues, where some file owners currently reside abroad (in the United States) and have not yet processed their administration.
“Furthermore, there are irrational demands; one victim has submitted a compensation value deemed unreasonable, amounting to Rp1 trillion,” said Bambang Prasetyo.
In addition to the 35 old files, the meeting also revealed hundreds of new claims submitted by resident representatives. At least 200 new files have been brought forward for review and reassessment by the company.
“We will check everything together to clarify which are completed and which remain an obligation,” Bambang added.
During the session, Bambang also clarified the legal status of the compensation bridge funding. He emphasised that the compensation payments are entirely the responsibility of the corporation, PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya, and do not constitute a debt to the state.
PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya has recorded the completion of 13,284 compensation files. The total land area paid for reaches 422 hectares, spread across 12 villages in three districts in Sidoarjo Regency. To accelerate the remaining process, the re-establishment of the Task Force for the Accelerated Resolution of Lapindo Mud Victims has been welcomed positively. This Task Force will serve as a platform for cross-sector data validation.
Exactly 20 years have passed since the first eruption of hot mud disrupted the peace of residents in Porong, Sidoarjo, on 29 May 2006. The Sidoarjo Mudflow Control Centre (PPLS) is currently focusing on coordinating with the Task Force to perform validation and synchronisation of compensation payment data. The Sidoarjo Regency Government is committed to resolving the compensation issues regarding the social disaster impacts of the Lapindo Mud, which has been ongoing for approximately 20 years.