34 Uncertified Buildings on Jalan Raya Hankam Bekasi Demolished

A total of 34 illegal buildings stretching 200 metres along Jalan Raya Hankam, Pondok Melati District, Bekasi City, West Java, were demolished by a joint team of officers on Monday morning (24/8). The demolition is targeted to run until Wednesday (26/8).

Pondok Melati Sub-district Head Cecep Miftah Farid revealed that there were 40 permanent and semi-permanent buildings at the location. Of that number, six have certificates and are permitted to stand, while the other 34 occupied government-owned land and had to be demolished.

“There are 40 recorded buildings, six of which have certificates. So there are 34 buildings that we will demolish because they do not have valid permits,” he said.

He added that the dozens of buildings that had to be demolished housed various types of businesses, ranging from grocery stalls, pump service workshops, to coffee shops.

The buildings were known to have stood on government-owned land for decades, narrowing water channels and obstructing drainage flow.

“The condition there previously had a dimension of four metres wide for water flow. But now it has become about one metre, covered by buildings and bridges. So we are tidying it up,” Cecep explained.

After the demolition is complete, the Bekasi City Bina Marga and Water Resources Agency (BMSDA) will carry out area arrangement by building a drainage system and pedestrian walkway.