Benhil homeless to file lawsuit against city
Benhil homeless to file lawsuit against city
JAKARTA (JP): Homeless squatters of the demolished Bendungan
Hilir (Benhil) fire site in Central Jakarta will file a lawsuit
with the Jakarta administration following a land dispute over
compensation and demolition, a lawyer said.
Luhut Pangaribuan, chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the
Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) told The Jakarta Post yesterday that
seven squatters had formally appointed lawyers.
"They came here two days ago when their houses had been
totally destroyed. Like a disease, it is a very very serious
case. It's a very difficult situation," said Pangaribuan.
He said the legal institute, which is well known as an ardent
supporter of human rights, however, will try its best and is
currently studying the legal aspects of the problem.
A number of squatters in the disputed area also confirmed that
they have already conducted meetings to discuss the lawsuit.
"Indeed, we will discuss it thoroughly before filing the
lawsuit," said one of the squatters who asked to remain
anonymous.
Meanwhile, councilor Ronggo Sutrisno Tahir of the United
Development Party (PPP) and councilor Romulus Sihombing of the
Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), questioned the government's
efforts to negotiate with the squatters over the compensation and
demolition.
Sihombing said a rightful negotiation should be based on a
transparent master plan rather than ad hoc decisions.
Ronggo suggested that the government brief squatters before
constructing low-cost apartments.
Social activities
Security forces have repeatedly scuffled with stone-throwing
squatters following the squatters' refusal to abandon the 1.5-
hectare area on Jl. Penjernihan. A major fire razed the slum area
on Sept. 9.
The government said 300 of the total 465 families living in
the area had already received payment. The squatters, however,
denied having received any payment, saying that those who
received the money were tenants.
Dozens of housewives said yesterday that social groups and
schools had helped the homeless children by donating school
uniforms, shoes and even school fees.
The squatters, steadfastly refusing the leave their land,
currently live along a railway track a few meters from their
area.
They built shacks from plywood, zinc sheeting and plastic.
Maj. Y. Suwono of the Central Jakarta Police Precinct said
that officers cannot do anything but obey commands from their
superiors.
"Look at my men, they are very friendly towards the
squatters," Suwono said, pointing at dozens of cops chatting with
squatters who were forlornly watching demolition workers destroy
their houses.
The decision to demolish Bendungan Hilir fire site drew
criticism from the National Commission on Human Rights which
visited the site on Wednesday.
According to Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, low-cost apartments
will be built for the squatters in the ex-slum area.
Surjadi said the administration had provided Rp 400,000
(US$190) for each family to rent temporary housing pending the
completion of the apartments. (09