It’s been several times, TNI condemn residents’ land. And for those acts, TNI image is getting worse on the people.

The incident was in RT 5, RW 2, Kelurahan Dusun Besar, Padang Nangka Sub District, Kota Bengkulu, behind the complex of Yonif 144 jaya Yudha. Suddenly, TNI came to the people resident and announced the condemnation. Surely, the announcement surprised all the residents.

TNI stated that the land occupied by the residents is belong to Korem 041 GAMAS Bengkulu and it is planned to be the location to build 2 firing ranges and 10 units of TNI officers’ house.

TNI also stated that the land is a grant from the government and the Supreme Court has issued a verdict on the 15 hectares land status. Danrem (Military Commandant) stated that Since 2005, Korem 041 GAMAS has been commanded by TNI AD (TNI Angkatan Darat – Army of TNI) to  enlist and secure its assets. The latest command was sent by Pangdam (Military Commander) II Sriwijaya via Telegram (TL) No: ST/422/2008, June 12^th 2008.

But the residents reject the verdict and they decided to defend their land and their house, because they have been occupying the land for  a long time, and each of them already owned a land certificate issued by BPN (Badan Pertanahan Nasional – National land Agency) Kota Bengkulu. That’s why they have a strong will to defend their land.

On April 17^th 2009, TNI started to assemble stakes and a bulldozer arrived in condemned location. They planned to conduct the first condemnation on the day. But, then TNI decided to postpone the their plan.

April 18^th 2009, Kodim (Military District Command) 0407 conduct the condemnation on 15 hectares residents land. Although the hut to produce bricks haven’t been condemned yet, there were 50 TNI officers arrived in the location commanded to secure the development of the street and to bury the valley.

The residents assisted by several NGOs stated that TNI has broke their promises. Because in the meeting held several hours before the operation of bulldozer; residents leaders, lurah (the leader of Kelurahan), and residents representatives met Dandim (Military Commandant) 0407 Kota Bengkulu, Letkol Inf. Kokok Suprabowo, and they agreed to postpone the condemnation until Wednesday (April 4^th 2009). Kodim also promised to show the verdict issued by the Supreme Court Reg; 2400/K/SIP/1982 on the same day.

On around 10.00 am, 20 Police officers arrived to prevent riots. The case was begun on 1967 when Kota Bengkulu was still under the authorization of North Bengkul District administratively and included in South Sumatera Province.

Back then, the government of North Bengkulu ceded 15 hectares land to Kodam (Military Commandant) as a grant, but several inhabitants have occupied the land. Then the inhabitants demand a compensation, but only receive compensation for their plants. Then the case processed in the trial, and the residents as the litigator defeated by TNI. Next, they pursued cassation in the Supreme court, and its verdict was still reinforcing former verdict.

This Report is Extracted from: Rakyat Bengkulu Daily Newspaper, Edition; April 18^th – 23^rd 2009.

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