TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Squatters at Pasar Ikan and Kampung Akuarium, North Jakarta, continue to reject the plan initiated by Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok to evict them. After Anies Baswedan's win in the gubernatorial elections, the squatters have started rebuilding illegal houses on the area.
Penjaringan district chief Mohammad Andri said there are dozens of newly built illegal houses. "There are 90 semi-permanent buildings," he toldTempo, Thursday, April 27.
In April last year, Ahok has evicted squatters living illegally at Pasar Ikan and Kampung Akuarium, and demolished the illegal buildings that stood there. The area has since been under development to be turned into a marine tourism area with international standards.
Before the demolition, the squatters rallied and protested. They refused to live in the apartments provided by the Jakarta administration and opted living in boats and tents provided by Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto.
Roman, 27, has been in the area since Monday to help build his neighbor's home. He's not worried that the house will be re-demolished, because Ahok will soon be replaced by Anies, whom he said had promised to resettle the area.
Another squatter, Teddy Kusnendi, 58, said that during his campaign Anies promised to build proper neighborhoods in the area. He claimed to have given a design plan to Anies' team.
"Pak Anies said he will try to rebuild this neighborhood," he said.
However, Ahok asserted that he will take actions against the illegal buildings. The incumbent Jakarta governor said he will continue to demolish illegal buildings until his term ends this October.
Ahok said that the revitalization program in the area is still underway, but is put on hold—waiting for cultural heritage review. "We don’t want to do a careless job here," he said.
DEVY ERNIS
