Ahok Came, Locals Agreed Their Lands Acquired

A residential area on Jalan Sensus Raya, Bidara Cina Urban Village, Jatinegara Sub-District, East Jakarta, is suddenly boisterous by the arrival of Acting Jakarta Governor Basuki ‘Ahok’ T Purnama, Tuesday (11/18). This occasion is utilized by Ahok to discuss with the locals.

I’m telling the truth. If you did not move, your houses will be demolished eventually, because this is government’s programs to cope with flooding

This number one person in the capital city starts the dialogue with telling the residents about Jakarta Provincial Government’s plan to acquire their lands for waterway project from Ciliwung River to East Flood Canal (KBT), which done to minimize the impacts of flooding in Jakarta.

Ahok asserted to the residents that their houses will be demolished to smooth the waterway project, either the residents agreed or not. Besides, the project has been ongoing, thus there is no reason for them to reject it. The measurement must be done this week, so the residents know which points will be affected by project.

Ahok Suggests 50 Percent Down Payment in Land Acquisition

“I’m telling the truth. If you did not move, your houses will be demolished eventually, because this is government’s programs to cope with flooding. Don’t worry, we’ll definitely give the best price, market price. The compensation money even will be given before the demolition. And for those who have business, relocation place has been prepared in the nearest traditional market,” he stated.

After discussing for about half an hour, the residents agreed their lands to be acquired as long as the compensation is proper.

Harianja (55), a resident of RT 02/04 Bidara Cina, said that from the beginning, he and other residents never reject the project. However, they never get enough information about the project.

“From the beginning, the residents never reject the project. But due to lack of socialization, they are confused about how many lands affected by the project and how much the compensation is. They don’t know about those things so far,” he uttered.

Harianja admitted that his house will be affected by the road widening project. Based on the tax object sales value (NJOP), the price of land in that area is around Rp 3.5 million per square meter. But for the compensation price, it will be discussed by the team 10 formed by the local residents.