Ahead Of The Vice Presidential Debate: Ganjar Mahfud Is Ready To Discuss Wadas Conflict

JAKARTA - The pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates number 3 Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD stated that they are ready if the Wadas conflict becomes a discussion in the fourth debate of the 2024 presidential election at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) Convention Center, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday (21/1).

"It should be discussed. This will be a clarification event," said Ganjar in his statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Sunday.

The Wadas conflict related to the construction of the Bener Dam in Purworejo is often associated with Ganjar as the Governor of Central Java for the 2013-2023 period. He also admitted that he was often a scapegoat in this case.

In fact, he continued, the Bener Dam development program that requires material supplies from rock mining in Wadas is not a Central Java Provincial Government program.

"The project that is at the root of the problem is a National Strategic Project (PSN) ordered by President Joko Widodo," he said.

Bener Dam is one of 48 dam projects in the 201 PSN list based on Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 109 of 2020.

Ganjar ensured that the conflict related to andesite mining in Wadas for the construction of the Bener Dam in Purworejo had been completed.

"I finished it even though it was not a provincial government program. Because we were trained to be responsible. And finished. God willing, it will be finished," said Ganjar.

According to Ganjar, the completion of the Wadas case prioritizes dialogue with residents.

"Dialogue, in my opinion, is something important so that all the strengths there are, so that all the groups there can sit together to solve the problem," he said.

During the process, Ganjar, who was still governor at that time, did not hesitate to visit the residents of Wadas Village. He also apologized to the residents and invited them to seek a solution that put forward deliberation and consensus.

"There is no need to hurt each other's feelings, invite all of them together. Later, Panjenengan (you) will receive compensation, the money should not be used carelessly, to buy land or a replacement house," said Ganjar.

In addition to dialogue and ensuring compensation is accepted, Ganjar also handed over healthy, livable housing assistance for affected residents. A number of other assistance was also handed over, such as 18 Wi-Fi points, free electricity networks, sports facilities and infrastructure, drainage, and basic necessities.

Meanwhile, Mahfud emphasized that there were no human rights violations in handling the Wadas conflict.

"The official, written, and publicized Komnas HAM report firmly states that Wadas has no human rights violations," added Mahfud.

According to him, Komnas HAM has stated that all procedures related to projects in Wadas have been carried out in accordance with applicable regulations.

"If you don't believe it, just ask Komnas HAM," he added.