Squatters of Sumur Batu ask for land compensation

Squatters of Sumur Batu ask for land compensation

JAKARTA (JP): Squatters living in the Sumur Batu district in
Central Jakarta protested to the city council yesterday over the
mayoralty's decision not to pay any compensation for the
appropriation of their land.

Victor Silaen, who acted as spokesman for 22 families living
on the 800-square-meter plot on Jl. Suprapto, Sumur Batu
district, said the mayoralty plans to build a park on the land.

"We have lived there for 20 years and have always taken care
of the land. Therefore we believe we deserve compensation for
it," said Victor.

Victor, along with several other protesters, was received by
the city council's Commission A which oversees agrarian affairs.

Edi Sukiswantari Probo from the Golkar faction presided over
the hearing.

Victor said the Sumur Batu subdistrict chief has told them
recently that the mayoralty will only give them compensation for
their premises and the electricity network installed inside.

Each of the squatters will reportedly receive Rp 255,600
(US$119) in compensation for each square meter of permanent
premises, and Rp 127,500 ($59.3) for each square meter of semi-
permanent ones.

"We can't accept it because we will not receive money for the
land. Twenty years ago it was a marshy area. We turned it into a
livable place. Thus, by all means we deserve compensation for
that, however little it may be," said Victor.

Victor said the appropriation of the land will also mean that
they will lose their livelihood, "since we live and run business
there."

Around 70 percent of them reportedly run their business there
as small-scale restaurateurs and small-scale workshop owners.

Mrs. Edi said the councilors will lend a helping hand so that
they can sell their goods at the marketplace run by the city-
owned PD Pasar Jaya after the appropriation of their land.

Romulus Sihombing from the PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party)
faction said his faction will raise the issue with the
municipality's officials concerned, hoping that they will fulfill
the squatters' demands. "But, don't expect a large sum of money,"
Romulus said.(jsk)