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View all search resultsPLN maintains blackout in Kulon Progo
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Standing for their rights: Sofyan, the representative of residents who oppose the construction of the New Yogyakarta International Airport, speaks at a rally in front of state utility firm PLN's Yogyakarta office on April 10. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
S
tate utility firm PLN's Yogyakarta office has rejected calls to restore the electricity supply to houses belonging to Kulon Progo residents, who are refusing to relocate to make way for the New Yogyakarta International Airport.
PLN Yogyakarta general manager Eric Rossi Priyo Nugroho conveyed the rejection to representatives of the residents, who were accompanied by lawyers and student activists, during a closed meeting on Tuesday.
Before the meeting that took place at PLN's Yogyakarta office, activists staged a rally, which grew tense as they demanded to enter the building.
“If electricity reconnection is requested by the residents, our answer will be no. But if this request is made by [state airport operator] PT Angkasa Pura I, it is possible for us to grant the demand because this land now belongs to the company,” Eric said.
Eric said PLN Yogyakarta’s stance was in line with the law. “This is based on the Wates District Court ruling and Presidential Regulation No. 98/2017 on the acceleration and operation of a new airport in Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta.”
Sofyan, who represented the residents, said he was very disappointed with the decision. “Electricity is our right as citizens. We are consumers.”
Budi Prasetya, a lawyer representing the Kulon Progo residents, said he would file a civil lawsuit against PLN because it had violated Law No.8/1999 on consumer protection.
“Currently, 37 houses where 300 people are living are suffering from the power outage,” said Budi. PLN Wates disconnected the electricity supply in the area on Nov. 27, 2017. (ebf)
