BOGOR, KOMPAS.com – Hundreds of farmers from three villages in Bogor Regency staged a demonstration in front of Tegar Beriman Field, Cibinong, Bogor Regency, on Monday (22/4/2013). They demanded the rejection of the extension of the concession period of PT Hevea Indonesia, and the return of the concession land to the people.

The farmers started their action around 09.30 AM. During the demonstration, the protesters carried agricultural products and banners written on plywood, as well as delivered speeches.

“Our action is in conjunction with Earth Day. We reject the extension of the concession period for PT Hevea Indonesia and demand that the land be given to the farmers so they can cultivate it,” said Asep Suryana, the field coordinator.

Asep mentioned that the farmers had three demands; aside from rejecting the extension of the concession period, they also requested the Bogor Regency Government to revoke Regent’s Letter Number 525/476-Distanhut/2011 and Number 593.4/477 Disthanhut/2011.
“We also demand an end to the criminalization of farmers in the three villages,” he said.