The condition of Situ Rawa Dongkal Urban Forest in Cibubur Urban Village, Ciracas Sub-District, East Jakarta, is very poor. The forest, which supposed to be buffer area, air filter, and land protector against rainfall, has been neglected for a long time.

I wish for the dumpsite to be removed and the function of the city forest is returned

Based on beritajakarta.com observations, the forest as wide as 32,812 square meters is now used as location for young lovers to go on a date, parking lot for trucks, and place to dump trashes. Because of the dumpsite, the convenience of local residents becomes disturbed.

“I wish for the dumpsite to be removed and the function of the city forest is returned,” said Sarwono (53), a local, Thursday (8/28).

“Raid should have been held in that urban forest, especially at night, because there are many couples dating there until late night,” lamented Rosihan, another local who is restless with such situation.

Responding this matter, Deputy Head of Ciracas Sub-District, Dicky Suherlan, admitted that indeed the dumpsite in Situ Rawa Dongkal Urban Forest has existed for a long time.

“Since I become Cibubur Urban Village Head in 2005, that dumpsite already exists, because the place was not fenced yet at that time,” he uttered.

To resolve the condition, Suherlan stated that his part can only urge the janitors to pick up the trashes routinely from the dumpsite, thus the smell would not disturb the residents. While regarding dating lovers, he told that he has instructed Ciracas Sub-District Satpol PP to routinely hold patrol in that area.