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Toll road development threatens agriculture in Lampung

Bandarlampung, Ekutorial – Lawmakers gave green light for Sumatran toll road to be developed in Lampung but warned that it will not displace productive lands, such as paddy fields, on Tuesday (17/2).

The 140 kilometers toll road development would affected at least 70 villages in three districts, — South Lampung, Pesawaran and Central Lampung –, including important agricultural centers, such as Way Panji village, Palas village and Jati Agung village.

“We do not object to central government’s plan to build toll road however we will not justify [the development] if there’s displacement of paddy fields. We cannot allow productive lands to become ‘victims’ of development. If the toll road runs through paddy fields, then it must be considered to be shifted,” said vice chairman of Lampung House of Representatives, Johan Sulaiman, adding Lampung was one of the provinces targeted to produce one millions tons of paddy per year.

Last Friday, ministry of public works have given official documents related to Sumatran toll road to Lampung Governor Ridho Ficardo who already appointed the land acquisition team. The province targeted to finalize the location within four months, meanwhile the acquisition must be finished by the end of 2015.

“To speed up [the process], if it is possible, land acquisition team will be formed at the district level,” said Ficardo. Eni Muslihah

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