Observer Reveals Problems behind Jakarta Flood Victim Relocation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - City planning observer Yayat Supriatna revealed the reasons why the Jakarta Provincial Government's flood victim relocation program was often rejected by residents, making it difficult to do.

Yayat pointed out that the Jakarta residents see the relocation as an alarming thing since the Jakarta administration had not taken a non-structural approach in disseminating the program to its people.

“Now, make flood relocation programs that do not seem as terrifying. (If it is terrifying), the people will surely resist (it),” said Yayat, in Jakarta, on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

Even though Jakarta is inherently prone to flooding, Yayat believes that there must be actions to counteract the fact. The actions taken must not only be structural in nature but also the non-structural kind, involving more dialogues with the people.

For example, Jakarta Provincial Government needs to facilitate employment opportunities for residents who are going to be relocated as many of them often worried about losing their occupation after being relocated.

“At least each family has one person who can be the breadwinner. They could be an online ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver, parking attendant, orange troops (public facility maintenance), or whatever. The important thing is that in one family there is one person who needs to be facilitated to get a job," he said.

With employment guaranteed, the relocated residents will be able to pay rent for their homes and daily necessities.

Yayat went on to say that the flats which have been provided by the Jakarta Provincial Government for relocated residents are only temporary assistance. On the other hand, assistance in the form of employment would still benefit them in the long term.

KIKI ASTARI | TD | DIO SUHENDA (Intern Translator)