Risma Finds Scavengers Living Under Flyover, Central Jakarta City Government: It Has Been Regulated But Back Again

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (Risma) / DOK. Ministry of Social Affairs

JAKARTA - Central Jakarta Mayor, Irwandi, responded to the findings of Social Minister Tri Trismaharini regarding scavengers living under the Scout flyover.

Irwandi admitted that he had long known about the existence of scavengers living in the area. The Central Jakarta City Government, said Irwandi, had tried to curb them. However, they returned to occupy under the flyover.

"We actually have been disciplined several times, but they returned again. It's just thought that Mrs. Risma has never been touched. Even though we have touched it," said Irwandi when contacted, Tuesday, December 29.

Irwandi noted that there were seven scavengers and traders living under the Scout flyover. They originally owned a house in the Pegangsaan area. However, the house was sold and demolished.

"Because he already has a business nearby, he cannot move far away," said Irwandi.

According to him, the Central Jakarta City Government has prepared a more appropriate place to live for scavengers and traders who live under the Scout flyovers. It's just that, they had refused.

However, Irwandi said he would force the seven scavengers and traders living under the flyover to immediately move to the apartment.

"Never mind, we will still force him to accept the flat. We will immediately empty it. I am also coordinating with the Housing Agency. I urge him to want to," he said.

Social Minister Risma on Monday, December 28, started her work at the Ministry of Social Affairs with blusukan. Risma stopped at the Ciliwung River basin, behind the Ministry of Social Affairs office.

When heading to the Pramuka flyover area, Risma had a dialogue with a scavenger in his cart who was getting ready to do his morning routine with his wife. Risma had a dialogue to ask various things to this husband and wife.

Right under the bridge, Risma witnessed several families who deliberately lived under the bridge. In one corner, you can see a residential location for the homeless. Here you can see among them shabby rolled mattresses, worn cupboards, toiletries, and flip-flops strewn around them, which are left by their occupants.

From the results of scavenging, they get Rp. 800 thousand per month. Part of the income is sent to their children in the village. Risma invited this couple to want to change the quality of their life for the better.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm looking for a house, so there is no need for contracting fees. Keep looking for rubbish like this. Later the garbage from the Ministry of Social will be for you. While I teach you business. Cook want to continue to be like this, yes. I want it," said Risma.