Wadas Village Claimed To Be Conducive, Bener Reservoir Project Land Measurement Continues

Wadas Area/Photo: Antara

JAKARTA - The government has spoken about the alleged violence experienced by residents of Wadas Village, Purworejo, Central Java. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD claimed that the condition of the village was confirmed to be positive and that the land measurement for the Bener Reservoir project would continue despite the polemics.

After holding a coordination meeting with a number of parties such as Police Headquarters, TNI Headquarters, to relevant ministries/institutions as well as the Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, Mahfud MD said the atmosphere in Wadas Village was conducive and did not match the information circulating on social media.

It is known, a number of accounts on Twitter are busy uploading acts of violence allegedly carried out by law enforcement officers sent to secure land measurements by the National Land Agency (BPN) team against residents. This activity was carried out in an effort to build the Bener Reservoir which is a National Strategic Project.

"All the information and news that depicts a tense atmosphere as if there was a tense atmosphere on Monday, did not happen at all, it did not happen as described. Especially on social media," said Mahfud in a press conference broadcast on the YouTube of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, RI, Wednesday, February 9th.

Not only claiming that the atmosphere is conducive and peaceful, Mahfud also challenges anyone who doesn't believe in the government's statement to come there directly.

"Wadas is calm and peaceful, especially now. Those who don't believe can go there. Anyone. It's an open place," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

Meanwhile, regarding the arrest of a number of residents of Wadas Village, they have now been released after being detained at the Purworejo Police Headquarters, Central Java. They, continued Mahfud, have returned to their respective homes and have not experienced any violence by law enforcement officers.

"Everyone has returned to their respective homes and there were absolutely no victims or blasphemy or torture," he said.

Friction is called because citizens are divided between the pros and cons

On that occasion, Mahfud said friction did occur. However, this is only the excesses of the residents for and against the construction of the Bener Reservoir.

Meanwhile, the presence of the police in Wadas Village, said Mahfud, aims to provide security so that there is no friction between residents. "Police are only taking security measures in the friction between residents," he said.

With these conditions, the government ensures that the land measurement in Wadas Village for the construction of the Bener Reservoir which is included in the National Strategic Project will continue. Because, this reservoir was built to meet the interests of the people, especially residents of Central Java and its surroundings

However, the process will later be accompanied by measurable safeguards and a persuasive approach and promote dialogue. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) is also confirmed to participate in overseeing the measurement activities because there was intimidation between pro and contra groups.

Meanwhile, the dialogue approach will be carried out by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo.

"The governor of Central Java will hold a dialogue with the residents of Wadas village who still refuse," said Mahfud.

Before closing his statement, Mahfud asked the public not to be provoked by news related to Wadas Village. "Because nowadays there are so many social media that it seems as if someone has been transported from their house. We have checked everything, nothing," he said.

"For those who like to frame videos like the drama, I think they should realize that the National Police, BIN, and BAIS have the tools to know that these are all artificial framing," concluded Mahfud.