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)