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.