Elderly Residents in Kamal Refuse Relocation to Nagrak Flats, Distance to Workplace Becomes 42 Km
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A number of residents affected by the return of land function for the Public Cemetery (TPU) in Kamal Ward, Kalideres, West Jakarta, are strongly refusing relocation to the Nagrak Flats (Rusun) in North Jakarta.
The main reason for the refusal is the distance of the flats, which is considered too far from their current work locations, thus threatening their daily livelihoods.
Juhid (78), one of the residents of RT 02 RW 07 in Kamal Ward, complained about his placement in the Nagrak Flats, which is at the end of North Jakarta.
“During the meeting here, I said, ‘I’m from West Jakarta, sir. If possible, relocate me back to West Jakarta.’ But now, I’ve been assigned to Nagrak, which is between West Java and North Jakarta. I won’t be able to work; it’s too far, and I’m already old,” said Juhid when met by Kompas.com at the location on Monday (30/3/2026).
Juhid, who has been working at the factory for 20 years, feels confused thinking about the commute time using his motorbike from Nagrak to Salembaran every day.
He predicts that the morning journey on his moped could take nearly two hours if departing from Nagrak.
For comparison, the distance from Juhid’s current home to his workplace is about 7.5 kilometres. Meanwhile, the distance from the Nagrak Flats could reach 42 kilometres.
“Imagine me at this age having to work that far; how would I manage? If I change jobs, who would hire an old person like me?” Juhid lamented.
In fact, he said, the elderly should be prioritised to receive flat units close to their original residences.
Juhid even threatened to sleep at the ward office if his home is forcibly demolished without getting a nearby flat.
“For example, if relocated to West Jakarta as well, I’d be ready to move today. The important thing is that my work isn’t far, so I can eat every day. If it’s far, what will I eat?” he said.
Similar refusals were voiced by Zainudin (57), a resident who has lived on the land for more than 25 years.
Daily, Zainudin works as an on-call welder for building and factory projects in the West Jakarta area.