Villagers seek redress for attacks

JAKARTA (JP): At least 50 residents of Sumur Batu village in Citeureup district, Bogor, visited the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) on Monday seeking legal advice after allegedly being assaulted by security guards from the Royal Sentul housing complex.

The residents' spokesman, Ubaidillah, said at least seven residents, identified as Okto Wibowo, Saepudin, Asmuni, Apudin, Sudin, Asep and Memed, suffered injuries due to repeated beatings on Apr. 27.

"We had told the guards that we wanted a peaceful settlement over a dispute with the developer of the housing complex, but they continued attacking us," said Ubaidillah, an executive of the Al-Mujahidin Islamic boarding school, located near the housing complex.

The dispute occurred after the developer reportedly blocked the main access route to the village through the residential area.

The firm apparently used bulldozers to dump soil around the entrance of the road to prevent the villagers from passing through.

Ubaidillah said the guards drove a truck recklessly to frighten the residents, adding that the guards were equipped with swords and wooden sticks.

Meanwhile Asmuni, a teacher at the boarding school, said three security guards held their swords to his neck, causing injuries.

He said his son Asep was beaten and kicked by the security guards when he tried to help his father.

Another man, Okto, said that he was beaten at the scene before being questioned at the housing complex office by security guards and two military officers. (jun)