Normalization Of Kali Rawas, 25 KK In Cakung Relocated To Flats

Illustration (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - As many as 25 family heads (KK) on the banks of Kali Rawa Rengas, Cakung Timur, East Jakarta, were relocated to the area's flats. This is for the benefit of river normalization.

"This activity is not about policing, but a humanitarian operation to help relocate residents who previously lived on the banks of a flooded river. We are relocating to two flat, Rawa Bebek Flat and Albo Cakung Barat Flat," said Head of East Jakarta PP Police, Budhy Novian, as reported by Antara, Monday, October 19.

The relocation of residents was carried out by an integrated team consisting of Satpol PP, Transportation Sub-dept., Water Resources Sub-dept., And village officials.

There are 18 residential houses built using permanent and non-permanent materials such as plywood and cubicles.

The residents of the house are transported by school buses provided by the East Jakarta Sub-dept. Of Transportation to the flat, while the furniture is carried by Satpol PP trucks.

Buildings that have been confirmed to be empty are marked by Satpol PP officers to be torn down using heavy equipment.

"This is already the second stage, yesterday there were those who asked to be rushed (relocation) on Saturday (17 October) there were five family heads who were asked to be relocated to Rawa Bebek Pulogebang Flat," he said.

Budhy targets that the demolition of buildings on the riverbank will be carried out no later than the end of October 2020.

"From the information I received, in early November there will be excavations to naturalize the Rawa Rengas River," he said.

The relocation activity was colored by protests from a resident who admitted that he had occupied the building in that location for decades.

The man named Mardali does not agree if the residents are relocated because they have been occupying the land for generations.

However, the officer ignored the action because he could not show the land ownership certificate.

There were also residents who volunteered to demolish their houses and did not mind being relocated to flat.

"Yes, what can I do, at least I still have a place to live," said a resident, Sugih.

East Jakarta Mayor M Anwar said the normalization of Rawa Rengas River was an improvement in order to cope with flooding during the rainy season.

The riverbanks will be dredged with a width of 12 meters to increase the water holding capacity of the current narrow condition.

"The overflow of the river can create a flood of 1.5 meters on the banks. We are normalizing for flood prevention," he said.