Demolition Plan, Jalan Stasiun Tanjung Priok Blocked by Citizens

Thousands of citizens living at RW 07, RW 11, and RW 12, Tanjung Priok Urban Village, North Jakarta, Thursday (4/17), were holding a demonstration on Jalan Stasiun Tanjung Priok. They demanded the PT KAI's plan to demolish their houses. Due to this condition, traffic congestion could not be avoided, causing Jalan RE Martadinata from Jalan Yos Sudarso rerouted.

PT KAI did not heed our proposal. Hence, we will remain blocking Jalan Stasiun Tanjung Priok until they wants to meet with us

The demonstration began when PT KAI wanted to demolish the citizens' houses around Tanjung Priok Railway Station and railroad crossings that occupied by 1,400 households. It is strongly rejected by citizens and then PT KAI asked to re-hold the meeting in order to find a solution. But it was ignored. That is why, citizens opted to block Jalan Stasiun Tanjung Priok.

"PT KAI did not heed our proposal. Hence, we will remain blocking Jalan Stasiun Tanjung Priok until they want to meet with us," stated Chairman of RW 11, Didin Jaenudin.

Ahok Responded Residents Demonstration Casually

Susianto (50), a local citizen, added that citizens increasingly irritated after they got a short message saying that there will be demolition on Thursday (4/17). "That's why we got ready if the short message is true," he asserted.

Citizens finally take a step backwards to the front of residential entrance after there was a mediation from PT KAI

Chief of Tanjung Priok Metro Sector Police, Sr. Comr. Sulastoyo said police only secure the demonstration to prevent unwanted things in traffic. "75 personnel are deployed to secure the demonstration. We've been persuasive to citizen and they already understand," he explained.