[Unofficial Bahasa-to-English translation by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre]

"Demanding proper compensation, farmers held protest in PLTU Bengkulu" 28 March 2019

BENGKULU, KOMPAS.com - Dozens of palm oil and palawija (dry land crops) farmers whom allegedly evicted for the construction of coal-firing power plant (PLTU), in Sepang Bay Village, Bengkulu City, held protest at the site, Tuesday (26/3/2019).

Dozens of farmers are demanding PT Tenaga Listrik Bengkulu (TLB) to compensate properly palm oil and palawija farmers whom impacted with 2x100MW power plant construction.

"There is no open discussion, let alone talks about compensation. Farmers' crops are leveled with soil to establish a dirty energy project of Sepang Bay coal coal (PLTU) capacity of 2x100 MW," said Action Coordinator Suarli, Thursday (28/03/2019).

Eviction lasts twice. First, to meet the needs of the project land 30 hectares, the second plus 10 hectares.

The first and second eviction distances are only two weeks.

Suarli continued, after the eviction, without deliberations, PT TLB offered compensation with a value ranging from IDR 125,000 to IDR 150,000 for palm trees.

"The protest since the beginning was carried out by farmers after the eviction ranging from installing a wire fence to meeting PT TLB and since then only promises have been obtained. Farmers also met the Governor of Bengkulu but there's still uncertainty," he added.

Two years on, the peasants' struggle has not stopped.

On January 31, 2019, farmers along with environmental activists and students came to the Bengkulu Governor's Office demanding proper compensation.

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On February 21, 2019, farmers took another protest. The compensation was promised to be materialised on March 8, 2019 in Pelindo office.

However, PT TLB was not present on the date.

"It is inexhaustible, farmers shifted from PT Pelindo II to the location of coal power plants and lasted until nightfall. The farmer who survived made the management of PT TLB represented by Abu Bakar appeared after being picked up by the Bengkulu Police. He also again promised to complete compensation at the Bengkulu Police Station, "added Suarli.

Meeting in Bengkulu Police Station, the result of a mutual agreement that within 10 working days will be reimbursed. This promise was again denied by mentioning that the ompany could not meet the demands.

On Tuesday (26/03/2019) noon, farmers came back to the PLTU project waiting for the clarity of PT TLB and still lasted until night and stayed in front of the PLTU office gate.

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Farmers agreed that they would still occupy the Sepang Bay Coal Plant until the demand fulfilled.
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