Release of detained farmers urged

Release of detained farmers urged

CIANJUR, West Java: Agrabinta district here remained tense on
Sunday following the arrest of 113 farmers for allegedly
vandalizing plants and assets belonging to a state-own plantation
company early this month.

As of Sunday, the police still had 82 farmers in custody,
despite repeated demands for their release lodged by a number of
families and non-governmental organizations.

"We don't know what will happen if the security authorities
fail to free the farmers," said Aron, a former head of Warnasari
village, home to some of the detainees.

Aron said the arrest was strange, because it was conducted in
the interests of a small group of people.

A number of students and non-governmental organization
activists have called on the local legislature to intervene and
press for the release of the farmers.

Regent Harkat Handiamihardja said he regretted the arrests and
called on the police to use their wisdom in coping with the case.

"They (the farmers) are our brothers and part of our
community, after all," Harkat told Antara.