Ihsan Reliubun, Jakarta – The East Jakarta Government evicted 52 residents living in the proposed land for the sodetan or water canal project of the Ciliwung River. There are at least 59 illegal buildings in the area.

"[The houses] are illegal and are local government's assets according to HGB (Building Use Rights) No. 495," said East Jakarta Mayor M. Anwar when contacted via WhatsApp, Thursday, January 12, 2023.

The unlicensed buildings are located at Jalan IPN Kebon Nanas, RT 009 RW 06, Cipinang Besar Selatan Village, Jatinegara District, East Jakarta. The city administration needs the land for the construction of the river canal towards the East Flood Canal or KBT.

Dozens of residents decided to stay on the banks of the river although the status of the land belongs to the city administration, which was proven through the Handover Event Report (BAST) from the Trisakti Foundation to the East Jakarta City Government. This land was designated as public facilities and social facilities.

"It is hoped that with the construction of the canal, residents' houses near the Ciliwung River can be free from flooding," said Anwar.

Residents who set up illegal dwellings were then relocated. The East Jakarta City Government moved residents having Jakarta IDs to low-cost flats or Rusun Cipinang Besar Utara. According to Anwar, 26 out of 52 people are Jakartans, while the other 12 non-Jakartans would be sent to their respective villages.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1679088/east-jakarta-evicts-52-residents-affected-by-ciliwung-river-projec