Trigger Of The Raid Of JGC's Aeon Mall And The Criminal Action Of The Destruction Case

Aeon Mall Jakarta Garden City (Instagram: @aeonmall_jakartagardencity)

JAKARTA - The raid and destruction of Aeon Mall, Jakarta Garden City (JGC), East Jakarta, was motivated by feelings of anger because the building was standing in a water catchment area. The construction of the mall is considered by residents to be the cause of flooding in the settlements around the shopping center.

One local resident, Amsori (58) said that the JGC area was previously a swamp, then a housing complex was built. This development has resulted in the loss of water catchment areas.

Moreover, the Rorotan JGC reservoir which is a water reservoir is no longer able to accommodate the existing water discharge. Because of its small size, it causes water to overflow and submerge residential areas.

"This was a swamp before, before the JGC was established, the water catchment area was there," said Amsori, Tuesday, February 25.

Another resident, Rifai (38) said that the water supply in the JGC area was not functioning properly. In fact, if the water channel is directly directed to the East Flood Canal (BKT), it will not have an impact on their settlements.

"What is there is a drainage channel that does not work and floods the residents' houses," he said.

Meanwhile, Head of East Jakarta Sub-dept. Of Water Resources (SDA), Santo, said that the JGC had actually prepared sewers to the BKT and Rawa Bebek. However, there is work on one of the channels that has not been completed.

"Actually, JGC is dumped in the direction of BKT and Rawa Babek there. But Rawa Babek is not yet free, there are 300 meters away. In the near future, JGC wants to be followed up," said Santo.

For now, he added, the JGC has used a sewer that leads directly to the BKT. However, due to land acquisition problems, the channels used are still small and not in accordance with the provisions.

"There is actually a channel but it is small. That's why it will be made after the liberation," said Santo.

This citizen action led to riots. The police took action by arresting 24 people. However, only 8 people were proven to have been involved in the vandalism.

"For the perpetrators who were proven to have damaged there were 8 people while 16 people were temporarily detained as witnesses," said Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Yusri Yunus.

Those who were proven to have committed the destruction, namely, AW, SA, HR, AB, IF, DA, AAS and FAS. However, they have not been named as suspects because investigators are still investigating their statements.

Meanwhile, for the other 16 people, said Yusri, they were witnesses in the vandalism case. However, it is possible that they will also be named as suspects

"The eight people were only arrested first, they are still being investigated. Meanwhile, the perpetrators who were arrested are currently undergoing investigation at the East Jakarta Police Headquarters," said Yusri.