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After 13 years, 800 farmers win back their lands

Source
Tempo - August 3, 2000

Bandung – After 13 years, the struggle of 800 farmers in Cimacan village, Cianjur regency, brings result. The 34-hectare land that so far had been captured by PT Bandung Asri Mulya (BAM) and converted into a golf field was recaptured. Speaker of West Java Legislative Council, represented by Eka Santosa, decided to immediately revoke the governor decree on Wednesday, August 2, and the concession granted to PT BAM since 1988.

The revocation was approved and witnessed by Cimacan village's chief, Pacet Cianjur district's chief, Cianjur regency's chief, chief of Cianjur Land Agency and chief of West Java Land Agency. While the decision was read and signed, the 800 farmers that had crowded the provincial legislature office here since morning were screaming hysterically. Some old farmers shook hands and cried for joy. The decision is considered a new history of West Java farmers' struggle to get their right back.

Dudu Masduki, coordinator of Cimacan Farmers, said that actually he was already frustrated. For years, he has been victim of the authority that forcibly captured his land by compensating Rp 30 per meter square. At that time, in 1988, he rejected the small amount of compensation first. However, he had to give up since local military and police apparatus terrorized, threatened and even tortured him.

At least three villagers of Cimacan died because of the terror. Tens of villagers were kidnapped and physically abused, as Oman Sarhayu experienced. "I had struggled for 13 years and the government of New Order regime had tricked me," he said. Because of the torture, he let his land be captured by accepting the decree of then governor, Yogie S.M., who is also the former minister of home affairs.

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