40 buildings demolished

JAKARTA (JP): Local authorities pulled down 40 structures belonging to squatters along the Ciliwung river bank in Pejambon, Central Jakarta, yesterday, two days before the demolition deadline.

While the forcible demolition was still going on, the now homeless squatters, many of whom had been living in the area for 25 years, went to the City Council and the mayoralty office, demanding compensation for the loss of their property.

Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi said official letters had been sent to the squatters ordering them to move from the area in line with the Prokasih river clean-up program. The mayoralty set tomorrow as the deadline for the demolition.

Kahfi said that the residents had ignored the order. (32)