Rights commission to mediate dispute

Rights commission to mediate dispute

SEMARANG, Central Java: The National Commission on Human
Rights has offered to mediate in the ongoing land dispute between
the provincial government and the residents of Kedungombo, a
commission member says.

Muladi, who is also rector of Diponegoro University, said over
the weekend that he would suggest that the two opposing sides
resolve the dispute outside the courtroom.

"Although the Kedungombo residents can file another lawsuit,
they must remember that no court's decision will be able to
satisfy all parties," he told reporters.

The Kedungombo residents have been battling the government in
court for higher compensation for property they were forced to
surrender for a reservoir project. They lost in the high court
but many remain defiant and refuse to leave their homes.
(har/imn)