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Supreme Court ruling on construction of Kendeng cement factory must be obeyed
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Standing for their rights: Kendeng farmers stage a rally to protest the construction of a cement factory belonging to state cement maker Semen Indonesia in Rembang, Central Java, in front of the State Palace, on March 17. (Antara/M.Agung Rajasa)
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Supreme Court ruling on the construction of a cement factory in the Kendeng Mountain area in Rembang, Central Java, must be respected by all relevant parties as it is valid and legally binding, says a People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) deputy speaker.
“I think in resolving the ongoing polemics we must look at all regulations. The court has granted a lawsuit filed by Kendeng farmers, ordering a halt to the cement factory’s construction. A review should be carried out to assess whether the Central Java governor’s permit, which revives the construction project, contradicts the court ruling,” MPR deputy speaker Mahyudin said as quoted by Antara on Thursday.
He was referring to a permit issued recently by Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo that allowed state cement maker Semen Indonesia to continue the development of its cement factory in Rembang.
(Read also: Jokowi’s short meeting with Kendeng farmers ends in tears)
Mahyudin said the problem was that the Central Java governor had re-issued the Rembang cement factory construction permit despite a court decision that ruled in favor of the Kendeng farmers.
“I don’t want to take sides with any party but I want investment in Indonesia to run well and for people to not suffer losses.”
Akmal Pasluddin, a member of House of Representatives Commission IV, which oversees agriculture, food, forestry, plantations and fisheries and maritime affairs, said separately that commission leaders would summon Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman to explain and take responsibility for the death of Patmi, 48, a Kendeng farmer who staged a rally in front of the State Palace.
“Ibu Patmi is our hero. She has persistently struggled to conserve the environment in her area,” said Akmal. (rdi/ebf)
