Amir Tedjo, Sidoarjo (East Java) – Idul Fitri celebrations were muted for former residents of a town destroyed by a mud volcano that has buried thousands of homes and forced residents into temporary shelters.

Residents from Besuki in Sidoarjo, East Java, observed the Muslim holiday in makeshift shacks erected along the abandoned Porong toll road, which was cut off by the mudflow more than three years ago.

The community of displaced people took up residence along the road in February last year when hot mud inundated the banks of a containment pond and buried their village. The residents set up camp along the road and are waiting for compensation for their lost property.

"At first we expected the payment to come in a matter of months, so we stayed on the toll road. But apparently the payment takes years," said Nastain, one of about 950 people squatting along the road.

The villagers forwent several Ramadan traditions this year in light of the disaster. As in many parts of the country, local mores dictate that people visit family graves during the last days of the fasting month. Nastain said he decided not to pay his respects because of his family's dampened mood.

Some residents also sat out another local holiday hallmark, the takbiran procession, in which residents from several neighboring villages gather on the eve of Idul Fitri to pray and usher in the holiday.

"The village used to be separated by the toll road, but we celebrated takbiran night together," Nastain said. "People circled the village carrying torches and used loudspeakers to praise God."

He said invitations had been sent to residents of east Besuki, but they went unanswered. Nastain speculated that the residents did not take part this year because of resentment – residents of the western half of the town had already received compensation from the government.

He said the squatters would remain until everyone had received money for their losses.

In May 2006, mud began spewing from a crack near a gas exploration well operated by PT Lapindo Brantas, a company that is part of the Bakrie group controlled by the family of Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie. Total damages are estimated at $4.9 billion.