PTBA warned over railway project

State-owned mining company PT Bukit Asam (PTBA) should be mindful in acquiring land to build its 280-kilometer double track railway project scheduled to start next year, so as to prevent it from creating conflict in the community, the Jakarta Post reported.

Lampung custom law expert Rizani Puspawijaya said over the weekend that the project should be conducted by taking into consideration local issues, as any careless land acquisition moves could lead to conflict.

"Railway track developments that are conducted today are different from those conducted during the Dutch colonial era," said Rizani, adding that the existing railway tracks in Sumatra, especially the one in Lampung, were built by the Dutch in 1905.

At that time, Rizani said, the project was carried out with the agreement of local community figures. There was no need for land acquisitions because the people whose land was included in the project had given their support. "They saw a clear interest for the people:' Rizani said.

The land acquisition process, he added, started with a deliberation meeting with heads of the custom communities in Lampung. The project only started when these communities agreed.

"No compensation was given at that time. But people were happy because trains would pass through their regions. They were also employed in the development project," he said.

PTBA plans to build 280-kilometer double railway tracks connecting Tanjung Enim (South Sumatra) and Tarahan Port in Bandar Lampung (Lampung) to transport coal.(*)