Police Ask Wadas Villagers Not To Be Provoked By Illegal Rumors Of Dam Construction

JAKARTA - The Central Java Regional Police appealed to the residents of Wadas Village, Purworejo, not to be easily influenced by the wild rumors circulating about the construction of the Bener Dam. This is because the government's goal is to build dams to improve the welfare of farmers, with the availability of water and technical irrigation.

"Through the dam, the surrounding land will become fertile because it is irrigated simultaneously. One of the materials for the construction of the dam is taken from Wadas which contains andesite," said Head of Public Relations of the Central Java Police, Kombes Iqbal Alqudusy in his statement, Wednesday, February 9.

The government is in the process of land acquisition, Iqbal said, will buy it at a high price. In fact, the Central Java BPN has set the price for land according to the prevailing and certainly profitable.

At least, it is recorded that 617 lands will be purchased. However, only 317 residents in the Wadas area agreed with the land acquisition.

"But there are still other residents who do not agree with the government's plan. They have also been invited to dialogue by the Central Java Provincial Government. Even the Central Java Provincial Government has asked Komnas HAM as a mediator for residents who are still pro and contra," he said.

In addition, Iqbal also touched on the contra party who had taken legal action by filing a lawsuit to the Semarang Administrative Court. Where, the panel of judges decided not to grant the claim.

"The contra have also taken legal action through the Administrative Court and have lost the cassation," said Iqbal.

In addition, Iqbal mentioned one of the causes of clashes between residents behind the construction of the Bener Dam. This is because some residents who are against the construction of the dam often terrorize those who agree.

"The clashes in Wadas Village, Purworejo were triggered by the pros and cons of fellow residents themselves over the government's plan to build the Bener Dam," he said.

Therefore, groups of residents who disagree are expected to always prioritize deliberation. So, a way out in this development process can be found.

"Wadas residents should continue to discuss in order to stay in harmony and harmony in their village. Do not want to be provoked by people who are not clear. Do not also want to be pitted against fellow citizens. The police will ensure the comfort and safety of all Wadas residents," said Iqbal.