Anies Baswedan Faces Huge Task to Stop Jakarta Reclamation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor - elect Anies Baswedan is facing a huge task to keep his campaign promise to stop Jakarta Bay reclamation project, an observer said. The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs recently repealed a moratorium on the reclamation of islets C, D and G.

“It’s a huge task for Anies and [Deputy Governor-elect] Sandi. If they are committed to keeping their promise, on the first day after their inauguration, they should be determined to reinstate the moratorium on reclamation,” said an observer at Trisakti University Nirwono Yoga.

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According to Nirwono, Anies administration should repeal land management rights (HPL), rights to build (HGB) and building permits (IMB). “All should be stopped, permits should be suspended, deliberations on [reclamation] bylaws should be suspended, and construction should be halted for evaluation,” he said.

Moreover, he said, Anies should discuss and engage with locals to reassess some parts of the Jakarta reclamation project that have already been completed. “They can’t undo the [completed parts of] the reclamation, so a meeting with the people is a must,” he said.

He said that the completed parts of the reclamation project may be used for public interest purposes. “The reclamation project may facilitate the establishment of conservation forest, sports complex and other public spaces,” he said.

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The observer added that developers may also be involved. Islets C and G are being developed by PT Kapuk Naga Indah, whereas Islet G is constructed by PT Mura Wisesa Samudra, a subsidiary of property giant PT Agung Podomoro Land. “Reclamation should be the last option,” he said.

Earlier in May, the Environment Ministry issued a moratorium on the reclamation of islets C, D and G and cancellation of islet E reclamation. Maritime Minister Luhut recently repealed the moratorium on islet C, D and G as the technical and legal issues have been resolved. Luhut said that the Jakarta Bay reclamation is a strategic project that serves the national interest.

DEWI NURITA