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Sari Rejo residents say Air Force personnel ‘intimidating’ them
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Members of the House of Representatives meet with residents of Sari Rejo, Medan, following a clash on Aug. 15 with Air Force personnel. (JP/Apriadi Gunawan)
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esidents of Sari Rejo in Medan, North Sumatra, claim that a number of Air Force personnel have started to come into their areas, calling on them to immediately leave their houses in the disputed area.
Nikcy Kosasih, one of the residents, said the visit of the military personnel had sparked unrest among the residents, who feared that the Air Force would soon expel them from their houses.
“Residents consider it to be a form of intimidation,” Nicky told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
On Aug. 15, dozens of personnel from the Soewondo Airbase clashed with civilians over the disputed land. During the incident, military personnel allegedly assaulted residents. At least 10 were injured in the incident.
Another resident, Dadang Supriatna, said four Air Force officers in their uniforms came to his house. Initially, they told Dadang that they wanted to buy his house on Jl. Sejati Gang Iman, but later on they said they did not have enough money.
Dadang added that the officers told him that he had to leave his house within two days. “They issued an ultimatum, saying I had to vacate the house within two days,” said Dadang.
“The Air Force has no right to force us to leave. This house is an inheritance from my parents. We will not give it up to the Air Force,” Dadang added. (bbn)
