In accordance with the rules, we have done socialization about demolishment to locals since a month ago. But they ignored it. That's why we had to demolish their buildings

A riot occurred when as many as 600 joint personnel tore down 36 illegal buildings on the banks of Mookevart River at RT 04 and 07/RW 02, Rawa Buaya Urban Village, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, Wednesday (9/10). At that time, dozens of citizens were trying to block an heavy equipment and personnel. No wonder, jostling one another between citizens and officers cannot be avoided.

Those buildings were demolished because the owners ignored the instruction of West Jakarta Administration to demolish buildings by themselves. In total, there are 162 buildings stood atop the banks of Mookevart River. Besides that, the land would be made as inspection road as prevention of traffic congestion on Jalan Daan Mogot.

"Project of inspection road that has been carried out in mid-June is started from Kedaung Kaliangke Urban Village bordered with Cengkareng Drain River until Semanan Urban Village as long as 8 km," told Head of Cengkareng Sub-District, Ali Maulana Hakim.

Thus far, the project is only already done in a land belongs to developer about 2 km. While the rest are an irrigation land belongs to the Ministry of Public Works that is now occupied by hundreds of illegal buildings.

"In accordance with the rules, we have done socialization about demolishment to locals since a month ago. But they ignored it. That's why we had to demolish their buildings," he expressed.

He added, locals who have a land certificate will be processed to receive compensation. It also applies to those who met the requirements in term of flat provision.

Meanwhile, one of building owners, Ritonga (55) expressed he has lived more than 40 years on the banks of Mookevart River. He requests West Jakarta Administration to give solution. "Don't demolish arbitrarily but also think the our survival," he stressed.