Illegal Structures Behind Plaza Indonesia Removed and Land Returned to Original Use

JAKARTA — Thirty-one illegal structures behind Plaza Indonesia along Kebon Kacang Street 30 in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, have been demolished over a two-day period from Monday 9 March to Tuesday 10 March 2026.

Tanah Abang Sub-district Head Dwiarti Indriani Utami stated that following the demolition of the illegal structures, the area would be restored to its original function. “The Governor’s directive is to return it as empty land, restoring its original function. If it was a pedestrian walkway, it returns to being a pedestrian walkway; if it was a road, it returns to its proper function,” said Dwiarti when met at Kebon Kacang Street 30 on Tuesday.

Dwiarti acknowledged that the enforcement action at this location represents a significant challenge. Illegal parking and structures had become a source of livelihood for local residents.

According to Dwiarti, the demolition of illegal structures had been socialised the previous week, ensuring that food vendors who typically sold at the location were aware they could no longer operate there. “There is no relocation to other areas, because we do not recommend it. They were trading illegally without permits and building without permission,” explained Dwiarti. “So when we restore the function, they must accept it. Because there is nothing we are asking of them.”

Dwiarti revealed that the informal parking attendants (jukir) at the location had previously expressed resistance to the enforcement. The parking attendants stated that illegal parking behind Plaza Indonesia had been a source of income for them for many years. “This is also a shock therapy for them, a surprise that they can no longer seek additional income,” clarified Dwiarti. “There was some negative feedback directed at us, but we have managed it so far. So for now we are still focusing on driving them out; it is still an enforcement phase,” she added.