INFOKU, BLORA –Unexpectedly, the intention to improve road access for residents to Ngawi Regency ended in a legal case.
The Secretary of Nglebak Village, Kradenan District, Blora Regency, Mariyono, was named a suspect after being involved in road repairs in the special purpose forest area (KHDTK) managed by Gadjah Mada University (UGM).
The Head of Nglebak Village, Eko Puryono, said that the road had long been a connecting route for residents to Ngawi.
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The condition was originally a dirt road, then it was hardened using macadam or gravel through community self-help.
"The intention is to make access easier for residents. The road isn't a district or village road, but rather a forested area," he said.
According to Eko, the problem arose because the road paving process used heavy equipment that did not have a permit.
However, the village admitted that it had sent a notification letter to UGM regarding the road repair plan.
"The use of heavy equipment was indeed unauthorized. However, a letter was sent to UGM regarding the road construction," he said.
Mariyono was arrested by the Ministry of Forestry's Law Enforcement Team (Gakkum), while at the location with heavy equipment operators and several residents.
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They were then handed over to the East Java Regional Police, and named as suspects and are currently being detained.
Eko emphasized that there was no land clearing or tree felling during the activity.
According to him, road repairs were carried out solely to facilitate residents' access to economic, educational and public service centers in the Ngawi area.
"Residents have closer access to the economy, markets, and schools. There was no land clearing as described. Not a single tree was cut down," he stressed.
The Blora Regency Government is Powerless
In the midst of the ongoing legal process, the Blora Regency Government is certain to be unable to provide legal assistance to Mariyono.
Head of the Legal Section of the Blora Regional Secretariat, Slamet Setiono, explained to the press that Blora Regent Regulation Number 35 of 2019 only regulates legal assistance for village officials in civil cases, state administration, and public information disputes.
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"Legal aid services are not available for criminal cases. According to the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), legal counsel or advocates are responsible for assisting suspects," Slamet explained.
Meanwhile, Blora Regent Arief Rohman confirmed that the regional government would continue to monitor developments in the case.
Based on information received from the village government, Mariyono's family has appointed an advocate to accompany the legal process.
"It's currently under investigation at the Regional Police. We will continue to monitor this together. All citizens have equal rights before the law," the Regent concluded to the press. (Endah/ IST )
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