Jakarta East City Government Clears Illegal Structures for Smooth Water Channels

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta East City Government has cleared illegal structures on Jalan H. Taiman Barat 1 RT 04 RW 02, Gedong Ward, Pasar Rebo District, as an effort to restore the function of water channels to optimal levels. “We continue to strive for residents’ comfort and ensure that buildings are properly arranged so as not to disrupt the function of the channels,” said Jakarta East Mayor Munjirin when contacted in Jakarta on Friday. This step was taken because the presence of those semi-permanent structures was deemed to hinder water flow and trigger rubbish and debris accumulation, potentially causing flooding during rain. Meanwhile, Gedong Ward Secretary Edy Rusmanto explained that the structure, measuring approximately 2x6 metres, was previously used as a residence as well as a storage site for second-hand goods. In fact, the building was often filled with rubbish and construction debris. “This building was previously used as an ojek base but later shifted function to become a residence and storage for second-hand goods. This condition certainly disrupts the water channel’s function,” said Edy in Jakarta. Edy stated that this enforcement is part of environmental improvement as well as the government’s commitment to maintaining drainage infrastructure to function properly, especially in anticipating flooding and inundation. Before implementation, the ward office had coordinated across sectors and ensured handling of social aspects for the occupants. The process involved social services and population affairs elements to ensure the enforcement proceeded humanely. “We held a meeting on 13 April, including calling in social and population affairs parties. So, this enforcement has gone through stages and considers residents’ basic needs,” Edy explained. The enforcement involved 80 combined personnel from PPSU, Satpol PP, Bina Marga, the Water Resources Sub-Department (SDA), and the Environment Sub-Department. In addition to restoring the water channel’s function, this enforcement is a follow-up to reports from residents received through the Community Rapid Response System (CRM). Those complaints highlighted the negative impacts of illegal structures on the surrounding environment. With the illegal structures cleared, the Jakarta East City Government hopes that water flow in the area can return to smooth.