Merauke, (28/4 (Jubi)- Eight customary landowners went to the Merauke Sea Port Administrator Office to demand it pay 3 billion rupiah in compensation for the use of their land.
The Police Chief of the Sea Port Sector, First Inspector Theodorus Tawaru told tabloidjubi.com on Monday (28/4) the landowners led by Marselino Mahuze at first aimed to conduct a protest and a blockage in front of the office, but then withdrew after a negotiation.
“I told the customary landowners that we are ready to facilitate a dialog between the landowners and the Head or the Deputy of Sea Port Administrator Office, but the police would take action if they blocked the office,” the chief said.
According to Tawaru, the landowners finally agreed to meet with the Officer in Charge, Demianus Kowa, to represent the head who was not present at that time.
“We only did our duty to ensure the security, while the rest is the responsibility between the Head of Sea Port Administrator Office and the landowners. But the point is we have well facilitated a dialogue,” the Chief said.
Separately, Kowa confirmed the meeting but he said he could not take any decision on behalf of the office.
“I only said to the landowners that I would forward their demand to the head,” he said.
Kowa said the landowners initially asked for Rp 750 million but increased the demand to Rp 1.5 billion and then Rp 3 billion. “What have been said by the landowners, I still need to report it to the head,” he said.
A customary landowner, Marselino Mahuze said the landowners agreed to give the company time until next month. They threaten to block the port if the payment was not settled by then. (Jubi/Frans L Kobun/rom)
