Initially Refusing, Kalideres Residents Finally Agree to Relocation: It's Someone Else's Land, I Accept It

Residents of RT 02 RW 07, Kamal Ward, Kalideres, West Jakarta, have finally agreed to relocation after initially refusing following the demolition of their homes using heavy machinery on Monday (6 April 2026). Although it was difficult to leave the homes they had built, the residents gradually realised and accepted that the land they had occupied for decades is an asset owned by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. One of them, Sulikah (46), a resident who has lived on the land for more than two decades, has now accepted relocation to the Tzu Chi Buddhist Foundation Rental Flats in Cengkareng, West Jakarta. Previously, Sulikah and other residents refused relocation because the government directed them to move to the Nagrak Rental Flats in North Jakarta. The refusal arose because the distance to those flats was considered too far from their workplaces and children’s schools. “Initially, I was offered Nagrak in North Jakarta. Meanwhile, others had already gone to Daan Mogot. I actually wanted Tegal Alur, as it’s the closest from here. But what can I do, that’s what’s available,” Sulikah complained. Now, after dialoguing with the district office, Sulikah has chosen the option to move to the Tzu Chi Rental Flats. “I’m going to move, going to see the Tzu Chi Rental Flats, because the others are far. My child goes to school here, nearby. If moving to Nagrak, it’s too far, and the others are reportedly full,” she explained. The rental cost of Rp350,000 per month also became her main consideration in choosing that private rental flat. According to her, the price is relatively affordable compared to seeking other rentals independently. Currently, Sulikah along with a group from the Kalideres Sub-District is surveying the Tzu Chi Rental Flats. However, the distance from the flats to her child’s school in Kamal Ward is still considered quite far. “The important thing is that I just ask for fairness, at least help me with the move so I’m not alone. The important thing is, if it turns out my child has to change schools because it’s far, hopefully I can get help, that’s all,” she said. She hopes to live a more decent and comfortable life in her new residence. “I hope in the new place it will be more comfortable, life will be better. For me, the important thing is if my child can be comfortable, the place is nice, the school, that’s all,” she stated.