55 Families Affected By Control On The Banks Of Kali Padek Serang Were Relocated To Rusunawa

Atmosphere in Rusunawa Margaluyu, Kasemen, Kota Serang, Banten, Friday (5/12/2025). ANTARA/Desi Purnama Sari

JAKARTA - The Serang City Government (Pemkot) in Banten Province, has relocated residents affected by controlling illegal buildings on the banks of Kali Padek, Margaluyu Village, to the Margaluyu Rental Flats (Rusunawa), Kasemen District, Serang City, after the river normalization step was carried out.

Head of UPTD Rusunawa Serang City, Zedi Bachmi, said that out of a total of 142 families (KK) affected by control, 55 families were registered to have officially entered and occupied units in the flats.

"So those who have entered the flats are only 55 families. But we don't know yet, today it is possible to increase," said Zedi in Serang, Friday, as reported by Antara.

Zedi explained that the initial capacity of Rusunawa Margaluyu was available around 73 rooms, but with 55 units filled by residents of the new relocation, the availability of space became increasingly limited.

"There were around 73 rooms available from the start. 55 were already occupied, so the remaining 18 rooms were around. If you look at the development, not too many have entered, because some residents have also moved to their brother's house," he said.

It also provides alternative options in Rusunawa Kaujon, but until now no residents have been interested in moving there which may be caused by access that is considered too far from their original location.

"In Kaujon, there are four rooms that we are ready for people who want to move. So far, no one is interested," he said.

Regarding the anticipation that the rusunawa's capacity is insufficient, Zedi admitted that he had coordinated with the Serang City Social Service (Dinsos) for further handling strategies.

Zedi also ensured that the facilities in the Rusunawa were livable and that every resident's complaint was immediately followed up by officers.

"Alhamdulillah, there are no complaints, maybe there are small complaints such as broken taps, we will immediately handle them. There is no serious damage," he added.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Standings Sub-district, Sugiri, explained that the demolition of the building at the Padek River border was carried out because the condition of the river was blocked by illegal buildings which had negative implications for the irrigation of rice fields.

"In addition, there are also frequent floods here. So that the normalization of the Padek River is also the desire of the residents," he said.

Sugiri said the total number of buildings that were put under control reached 175 units, where the execution process on Thursday, December 4, was running conducive because socialization was preceded. Until now, the demolition process is still ongoing.

"The total number of houses that were demolished was 175, but those where they live were 142. The rest were business buildings. The affected residents were relocated to Rusunawa Margaluyu and all of them were free of charge," he said.