South Jakarta Court Orders Eviction of PKBI Headquarters After 55 Years

PKBI Office was established in 1972

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Early today, approximately 100 Satpol PP (municipal police) personnel, supported by dozens of police and military officers, conducted an eviction at the PKBI (Perkumpulan Keluarga Berencana Indonesia) office in South Jakarta. 

The eviction, mandated by the City Government of South Jakarta and the Indonesian Ministry of Health, targeted land that PKBI has occupied since 1970, based on DKI Governor Decree No.207/2016. Despite a Supreme Court ruling deeming the eviction non-executable, PKBI's belongings were forcibly removed by authorities.

PKBI, established in 1957, is a pioneering NGO in family planning and maternal health, instrumental in founding the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN). With a presence in 25 provinces and 178 cities/districts, its headquarters and Training Center at Hang Jebat III/F3 have been a vital resource for women and children across Indonesia.

The land, granted by DKI Governor Ali Sadikin in 1970, has been home to PKBI's headquarters, providing essential services such as vaccinations, stunting management, youth education, and reproductive health services. PKBI's contributions to national health initiatives have been widely recognized, with founder Dr. dr. Seharto being named a National Hero by President Joko Widodo in 2023.

PKBI staff and supporters have decried the eviction as an affront to their 67 years of service. "It hurts humanity when the government insists on evicting PKBI from Hang Jebat," they stated, vowing to remain on the premises until justice is served. The organization emphasizes the fundamental right to Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) services and the need for inclusive family health support.

The Ministry of Health and the South Jakarta City Government have faced criticism for their role in the eviction, accused of seeking control of the Hang Jebat land without providing adequate compensation. PKBI's extended family across Indonesia has unanimously rejected the eviction, pledging to continue their struggle for the health rights of Indonesian families.

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