Residents of Sukakarya Reject 'Kampung Bahagia' Programme Due to Pertamina Red Zone Designation

Residents of RT 13, Sukakarya Village, Kotabaru District, Jambi City, have collectively agreed to reject the ‘Kampung Bahagia’ (Happy Village) programme promoted by the Jambi City Government under Mayor Maulana. The rejection was voiced by hundreds of residents during a meeting attended by the Head of Sukakarya Village, Debby Mutiara, on Saturday night.

The residents’ opposition stems from their area being classified under the Pertamina ‘Red Zone’. This designation has resulted in hundreds of residents’ Freehold Land Certificates (SHM) being blocked by the National Land Agency (BPL), rendering them unusable for various essential life purposes.

“For me, this is a dilemma. On one hand, I do not want to disadvantage the residents with the existence of the Jambi City Government’s Kampung Bahagia Programme. On the other hand, the residents’ struggle to reject the red zone must continue. I choose to step down!” stated Asep Mulyana, the Head of RT 13 Sukakarya, before the assembly.

However, Asep’s resignation request was spontaneously rejected by the residents, who stated that his leadership is vital in defending the rights of the RT 13 community, whose land rights are currently being restricted by the Pertamina Red Zone designation.

“Mr Asep’s figure is much needed by the residents, including to defend and fight for the rights to the residents’ land. We reject Mr Asep’s resignation request. In fact, we reject the assistance from the Jambi City Government provided through this year’s Kampung Bahagia programme,” said a resident named Suhatman Pisang.

The Kampung Bahagia programme is intended to be a flagship initiative of the Maulana-Diza administration. Through this programme, each neighbourhood unit (RT) is allocated between Rp50 million and Rp100 million for cleanliness and security development. “What is the use of that project if we are not happy!” added another resident, Yanto.

According to Suhatman Pisang, who has been appointed as the Head of the Advocacy Team for residents affected by the Pertamina Red Zone designation, once all RT 13 residents have signed, the rejection of the Kampung Bahagia Programme will be submitted directly to the Mayor of Jambi, Maulana.