Villagers reject graveyard's removal

TANGERANG: Residents of Lengkong Gudang Barat village, Tangerang regency, said on Friday they would oppose plans by private developer Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) to move some 300 graves from the village graveyard.

"If BSD continue with the removal of the graves, we will hold a demonstration at the regency council building and at the developer's office," one of the villagers, Toto Mashutolah, said.

Toto said most of the residents opposed the removal of the graves, despite efforts by some village officials to get residents to go along with the plan.

One village official, Gozali, said BSD would exchange a 1.5- hectare plot of land in the village for the 1.2-hectare graveyard.

Gozali said BSD hoped to develop a business center where the graveyard now stands, surrounded by luxury houses.

"The graveyard will be used to extend the housing complex," he said.

However, BSD spokesman Dhony Rahajoe said the developer would use the graveyard to develop public facilities, including a park.

"We will not force residents to go along with the plan if they oppose the land exchange," he said.

A member of the regency council, Habib Alwi, said he had heard of the matter but the villagers had yet to bring the matter to the council.

"If they come here, we will meet with them," Alwi said.

Meanwhile, several workers were seen digging up tombs in the graveyard on Thursday. They said they were paid Rp 50,000 per grave they dug up. -- JP