PLN tower project under attack

TANGERANG (JP): Members of 20 families from Cibogo Kulon village in the Kelapa Dua area here have demanded state-owned electricity firm PT PLN immediately cancel its plan to build a 150-kilovolt electricity tower in their neighborhood.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, senior resident Lusiana said villagers were concerned the tower would pose a health risk and lower land values.

She charged PLN never requested permission to build the tower.

"Once its officials told us that electric cables would pass through our neighborhood area, but that didn't mean we had already given our permission," she said.

Villagers recommended the project be moved to the vast land area of the nearby Gading Serpong and Lippo Karawaci residential and business complexes.

Project head M. Rum Lubis insisted PLN would continue to discuss the matter with the villagers.

"We'll keep on talking with the people. This project is for the people's interests," he said. (41/bsr)