'Compensation for Lapindo Victims to Be Paid This Year': Bakrie
Friday, 16 March, 2012 | 22:47 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Malang, East Java:Aburizal Bakrie said his company will settle all compensation for the Lapindo mudflow victims this year. “The program has been established: Tuntas [Complete] 2012,” said Aburizal after a seminar at the Malang Islamic State-University on Thursday. The Golkar Party chairman said the payment will be conducted with a predetermined scheme. Aburizal promised that the repayment will be settled this year. Aburizal added that aside from distribution of compensation, his company will also conduct sale and purchase of land and assets. Lapindo Brantas, the company appointed to pay compensation, will pay according to the agreed price.

Victims of the Lapindo mudflow from the Renokenongo village have blocked Jalan Raya Porong. They have positioned six trucks to block the road connecting Malang and Surabaya. The roadblock was set from 8.00 am to 14.00 pm local time.

As a result, traffic between Malang and Surabaya experienced total gridlock. Railway lines were also blocked, disrupting train schedules. The victims, consisting of 450 families, demanded Lapindo Brantas Incorporated to immediately pay compensation.

EKO WIDIANTO| DINI MAWUNTYAS