Villagers want fast compensation

SEMARANG, Central Java: Displaced villagers who recently were vindicated in the Supreme Court in their fight for higher compensation are pushing for an early execution of the decision.

The villagers of Kedungombo, who lost their land to make way for a huge reservoir, have entrusted their case to the Semarang Legal Aid Institute to file for an execution of the Supreme Court ruling.

The government, which was taken aback by the decision, has filed for a stay of execution as it now considers applying for a new trial.

The Supreme Court overturned the decisions of the lower courts and set compensation at Rp 50,000 per square meter for land and property, well above the Rp 10,000 sought by the villagers and Rp 4,000 offered by the government.

Boyolali regent had earlier warned other villagers who already accepted the compensation not to be influenced by the court ruling, pointing out that the decision was not final. (har/emb)