The execution against 32 buildings on Jalan Inspeksi Kali Ciliwung, RT 007/005, Kenari Urban Village, Senen Sub-District, Central Jakarta, Thursday (12/18), ended chaotic. The clash started when a man tried to attack the officers using a knife. Luckily, the action can be handled by army officers.

We will set up tents here until the relocation place is clear

Besides the man whose identity is still unknown, dozens of other people were blocking the officers who tried to demolish the buildings. Those people argued they have occupied the land for more than 50 years.

“We have lived here for tens of years. The socialization on demolition was done only in two months. Besides, the relocation place is still unclear, but why our buildings are already demolished. We will set up tents here until the relocation place is clear. And we also have children who are still going to school, that must be considered,” lamented Aziz (35), one of the building owners.

Meanwhile, Head of Senen Sub-District, Lola Lopita, explained that those buildings are demolished because they are violating the rule since built on road trace and drain. Before holding this control, her party has sent three warning letter and a demolition warrant to the building owners.

“This demolition is in line with the city arrangement. The residents affected by the city arrangement will be relocated to flat. We have coordinated with Jakarta Housing and Public Government’s Buildings Department Flat Region I Technical Management Unit (UPT) to look for residences for tens of households in Kenari Urban Village whose houses demolished. But, the residents must queue to get flat units, cannot be quick. Moreover, most of them do not have Jakarta ID card,” she uttered.

According to Lopita, the demolition site will be transformed into a green belt park. In addition, inspection road will also be built, so it could become an alternative for motorists who are trapped in traffic congestion on Jalan Raden Saleh towards Jalan Pangeran Dipenogoro.