Residents sue President over Bukittinggi mayoralty expansion

Residents sue President over Bukittinggi mayoralty expansion

Kasparman, The Jakarta Post, Padang

Residents from 12 villages in Agam regency, West Sumatra, filed a
class action lawsuit against the president on Friday over
Government Regulation (PP) No. 84/1999 on the expansion of
Bukittinggi mayoralty.

PP No. 84/1999, issued by former president B.J. Habibie before
he was replaced by former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid
in 1999, put 12 villages -- Cingkariang, Gaduik, Sianok VI Suku,
Guguak Tabek Sarojo, Ampang Gadung, Ladang Laweh, Pakan Sinayan,
Kubang Putih, Pasia IV Angkek, Kapau, Batu Taba IV Angkek and
Koto Gadang -- under Bukittinggi mayoralty. The villages were
previously part of Agam regency.

The villagers alleged that the incorporation of those villages
with the Bukittinggi mayoralty had disadvantaged them. They did
not elaborate.

"We file this lawsuit because the government does not engage
the people in decision making. It disadvantages the people,"
lawyer Miko Kamal said without going into detail.

The residents also sued the home affairs minister, governor of
West Sumatra, mayor of Bukittinggi, regent of Agam, speaker of
Bukittinggi legislative council, and speaker of the Agam
legislative council.

Villagers said they were seeking the revocation of the
regulation and financial compensation amounting to Rp 12.012
billion (US$1.4 million).

"This is a valid regulation. It is, however, possible for
people to demand a judicial review. I think it's too late,"
Bukittinggi Mayor Djufri said.

West Sumatra administration spokesman Yuen Karnova hailed the
people's move, saying that it was legal action that must be
respected.

"The public administration is ready for the legal process,"
Yuen added.

The hearing will take place at the Lubukbasung district court
on Monday.