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)