Jakarta – Tuban’s millionaire village, a nickname for a village that became suddenly wealthy due to land acquisition payouts. In the past, one resident could afford two or three new cars. How many remain today?
The millionaire village, located in Sumurgeneng Village, Tuban, East Java, went viral in mid-2021. The villagers, who received substantial payments for land acquisition, experienced significant lifestyle changes. The village became famous when hundreds of residents purchased brand-new cars.
Three years ago, towing trucks paraded in, delivering Honda HR-Vs, Toyota Rushes, Toyota Innovas, and Toyota Fortuners. At that time, Sumurgeneng Village Head Gianto mentioned that hundreds of residents had already bought cars with the compensation money.
Over time, most villagers who bought cars still keep them in their garages. The ownership rate is estimated at 90 percent of those who initially purchased vehicles.
“About 90 percent of them still own cars, although some have traded theirs. Some sold their cars and didn’t buy new ones. Records show there were 300 new cars bought by Sumurgeneng residents,” Gianto explained.
The village recently came under the spotlight again after a video surfaced showing residents engaging in livestock farming. Claims arose that their money had run out and that they were no longer working.
Gianto responded to the video’s circulation, clarifying that selling livestock is a common practice to meet economic needs.
“Selling livestock is normal because it helps supplement economic needs. Claims that many are selling their livestock lately are untrue. Most residents are farmers and rely on their harvests for their livelihoods,” Gianto explained.
Around 280 residents of Sumurgeneng who received compensation for their land purchased by Pertamina still work as farmers.
Gianto added that approximately 65 to 70 percent of residents still own assets such as land and fields. These lands continue to be cultivated by the villagers.
“Most still own their land assets. Around 65 percent of them still hold their land today, and these lands are located outside the village. At the time of purchase, the land prices were already high compared to their original land values,” Gianto concluded.