Farmers' action in Wajo protesting their rice fields being taken for a gas pipeline. (Photo: courtesy)
WAJO, FAJAR — The PT. Energy Equity Epic Sengkang (EEES) Pty pipeline expansion project in Wajo Regency has drawn protests from residents.
It is known that the addition of this pipeline is intended to increase the gas supply to the Sengkang PLTGU . The project extends from Lamata Village to Poleonro Village in Gilireng District. This activity was carried out at the end of August.
Asis Noni, one of the people whose rice fields are threatened by the impact of this project, spoke out. He told the story of the beginning of the construction of the pipeline in 1996-1997.
"Indeed, EEES has cleared an eight-meter wide area that extends approximately three kilometers from the EEES location to the drilled well in Lamata Village," he said, Wednesday, September 11.
After the current pipeline addition project, there has been a difference of opinion between the community and EEES. The company claims that the area that has been cleared is 15 meters wide.
"That means there is an addition of about seven meters in width. While what we know together with the community is only eight meters," complained Asis.
Due to these differences, the community then flocked to the project location and asked for all road widening activities to be stopped before a mutual agreement was reached.
"Because according to the facts on the ground, the pipeline has been cleared and given a marker of only eight meters. The marker was made by the company itself," he said.
Residents have sent an official letter as representatives of the community. It is hoped that there will be an open dialogue between the company and the community to find a solution.
