'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