'Public suspect vested interest'

'Public suspect vested interest'

The newly issued Presidential Regulation No. 36/2005 on land
provision for development in the public interest is aimed at
resolving the government's problems acquiring land for state
infrastructure projects. Many, however, oppose the new
regulation, saying it violates the rights of property owners. The
Jakarta Post asked some residents for their opinions about the
new rules.

Ramdansyah, 35, is a social science researcher. He lives with
his wife and children in Koja, North Jakarta:

I would agree with the regulation only if there were no
business interests involved and it was meant only to serve the
public interest.

But the problem is, the public already has good reason to be
suspicious about any land acquisitions made by the government,
because in previous cases the people affected always received
small amounts in compensation. Moreover, the compensation process
is not transparent because it generally involves land brokers.

The public is also continually confused by the administration,
which keeps buying more public land each year for new
construction projects. The city plan, for instance, is changing
every year, when it is supposed to be formulated for a 25-year
period. It is setting a bad example to the public if the
administration cannot comply with its own plan.

The administration should understand people are getting
smarter now; they are learning about the city plan and the prices
of land in the city. If any further land purchases have to go
ahead, the city should now negotiate with the public.

Woro Palupi, 29, is a freelance photographer. She rents a room
in Kebun Jeruk, West Jakarta:

I actually do not agree with the regulation, but as a common
citizen, what can I do? The government will force its intention
on people anyway. We can do nothing about it. If we fight, it
will also be very costly.

The regulation only benefits the government, and is influenced
by several businessmen. They only use the government to do what
they want, by supporting or providing facilities for the people
who have the power to make the decisions.

I believe that if there is a citizen who refuses to give up
their land, it is because they are not receiving the appropriate
price for it.

Moreover, the public's trust in the government is low. In the
end, I think disputes between the government and the people about
land acquisitions will lead to chaos.

The government should listen the people before going ahead
with its plans. If it could negotiate well, a deal would be
achievable.

--The Jakarta Post