PLN told to be fair in land appropriation

JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi urged the state-owned electricity company PLN yesterday not to victimize residents when setting the price of land to be appropriated.

"Both parties should discuss the matter and the city government is willing to be a mediator," Abdul Kahfi said, commenting on the land compensation dispute in Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta.

PLN planned in 1993 to construct an electricity exchange in Kebon Sirih, for which it appropriated about 4,000 square meters of land inhabited by 37 families.

PLN offered Rp 1.2 million (US$545.45) per square meter while the residents set the price at Rp 2 million per square meter.

Kahfi also asked for the residents' understanding regarding the construction plan, which he said was aimed at helping Jakartans.

"The relay station is needed for the electricity supply in Central Jakarta," Kahfi said.

Kahfi denied residents' claims that they were being intimidated by security officers.

"There has been no intimidation," he said.

Meanwhile, H. Chudori, the leader of the neighborhood organization in Kebon Sirih, said that the residents wanted to talk with PLN directly.

"PLN officials never talk in meetings between the company, residents and the city administration," said Chudori, adding that they had met four times since 1993.

"The company should consider the fact that the people here have their businesses, especially upholstery and antiques," Chudori said.

Chudori said it would be difficult for them to find another strategic place with the money offered.

A PLN project chief, Aman Rachman, was reported to have said on Tuesday that of the 37 families affected, five had already received the compensation money.

"Their demand to get Rp 2 million per square meter is groundless since the land belongs to the government," Aman said. (yns/01)