Illegal buildings demolished

Illegal buildings demolished

JAKARTA (JP): City public order officers demolished dozens of illegal buildings in Sunter district, North Jakarta, on Monday, after owners failed to abide by North Jakarta mayoralty's demolition order issued last year.

Demolition was conducted under the coordination of North Jakarta public order office official A. Soffiyana, with officers of the local district military command and North Jakarta Police precinct assisting.

Most of the demolition occurred without incident, although some building owners tried to prevent officers from tearing down their houses, public order office chief Boy Firman said.

Soffiyana said as soon as the demolition was completed at 10 a.m., the officers immediately fenced in the area to block local residents from illegally rebuilding their houses.

Mayor H. Suprawito issued the order last year, asking for the demolition of illegal houses at the disputed area, but demolition was postponed due to resistance by local residents.

Hundreds of residents intentionally stayed on the disputed land, which covers 6,000 square meters and belongs to landowner Iqbal, Antara reported.

In a bid to get his property back, Iqbal urged the North Jakarta mayoralty to help clear the land, the report said. (hhr)