Apart From Being Dismantled, The Government Will Criminalize Illegal Bagunan Owners In The Puncak Bogor Area

In addition to dismantling infringing buildings, the government will sue illegal building owners for criminal violations related to the environmental impact caused by illegal activities in the Ciliwung river basin (DAS) which caused flooding in Jabodetabek.

The Minister of Forestry and Environment, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, emphasized that the government will demand two main things in this case, namely criminal responsibility for major losses due to flooding and investigations related to the contribution of development that caused the disaster.

"This is an incident that keeps repeating itself. Nature has given a signal, and if we continue to break the rules, a disaster like this will continue to occur, it can even claimed lives," said Hanif.

According to him, an in-depth analysis is being carried out regarding the use of land in the Ciliwung watershed area, especially in the upstream area in Bogor Regency.

The Ciliwung watershed covers an area of 38,500 hectares, with an upstream segment of 15,000 hectares which is currently the main concern because of changes in spatial planning that are not in accordance with its designation.

Hanif explained that since 2010, the 15,000 hectares of area has the main function of protected forests, national parks, and water catchment areas.

However, in 2022, there will be a massive conversion of land. Around 8,000 hectares have turned into agricultural areas, and the area of settlements which was originally only 500 hectares has now expanded to 1,500 hectares. In fact, several river bodies are used for the construction of resorts and tourist attractions that should be protected.

"We see a very worrying change in spatial planning. The water catchment area must continue to function properly. If left unchecked, similar disasters will continue to occur," he said.

Furthermore, Hanif Faisol Nurofiq stated that in the near future the government will install a "Under Supervision" sign in several affected areas and seal 33 other points that violate regulations. Scientific studies are also being carried out to determine further law enforcement measures, including the possibility of dismantling unlicensed buildings.

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan added that these corrective steps involved coordination between the Bogor Regency Government, West Java Provincial Government, DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, and related ministries.

In the process, the government will consider the condition of critical areas in the region and ensure that every step taken does not burden one party alone.

"The central government, through the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, has asked us to continue to work hard. We must not be careless, because this disaster has a direct impact on more than 11 million Jakarta residents. If this area is not immediately secured, casualties and greater material losses can occur," he said.

Zulkifli added that the Bogor Regency Government, together with the central government, are committed to conducting a thorough evaluation of spatial planning and licensing in the Ciliwung watershed.

The sealing of illegal buildings and law enforcement against violations of spatial regulations are decisive steps taken to prevent further disasters.

The government will also involve all relevant parties in this effort to ensure environmental sustainability and public safety.