Government to Acquire Lapindo's Assets

Jakarta (Antara) - The government plans to procure the assets of PT Minarak Lapindo Jaya (Lapindo), so that the company can provide compensation to the communities affected by the Lapindo mud disaster. "I have spoken to the Coordinating Minister and Mr Andi (Cabinet Secretary). We will acquire the assets of Lapindo," Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stated here on Monday. He revealed that the assets to be purchased are worth Rp781 billion. As of now, 20 percent of the compensation is yet to be paid to the public. "We will take the certificate, which is held by Lapindo," he affirmed. He remarked that the funds to be used will be derived from the 2015 revised state budget. As the government acquires the assets, Lapindo will be able to pay compensation to the community. "Lapindo will pay compensation to the public," he emphasized. The Constitutional Court had earlier granted a judicial review of Article 9, paragraph (1), letter a, of Law No. 15 of 2013 regarding the amendment of Law No. 19 of 2012 on the 2013 State Budget. According to the court's decision, Lapindo is liable to give compensation to the community, and the government must ensure the implementation of the settlement. (*)