Jakarta West City Government Demolishes Buildings in Kamal for New Cemetery

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta West City Government demolished residents’ homes in the RT 02 RW 07 area of Kamal, Kalideres, on Monday, as the site will be converted into a new public cemetery for local residents. Meanwhile, the affected residents have been relocated to several high-rise flats (rusun) in Jakarta. The demolition was carried out using a heavy excavator and combined personnel. At the site, building walls collapsed one by one as the heavy machinery razed them. Remnants from previous evictions remained, including asbestos, wooden debris, and plywood. Household items from the relocated residents were still stored in certain corners. The owners stood guard near their belongings while watching the settlements they had inhabited for years being completely demolished. Tears flowed as the remaining building walls crumbled under the heavy equipment. “There are currently still 11 households; of course, I will seek guidance from the leadership. I will work according to instructions. Since SP1, SP2, and SP3 are already in place, if there is an instruction from the mayor, we will take action to vacate,” said Kamal Ward Head Edy Sukarya on Wednesday (1/4). His side also assured that the ward remains open to residents who change their minds and agree to join the relocation programme to high-rise flats (rusun). “From now on, we are giving them time first. Those who have moved independently or are still occupying the land, ‘Oh, I want to relocate to a rusun’, we still give them the opportunity, it’s still possible,” said Edy. To support the humane land clearance, Public Facilities and Infrastructure Handling Officers (PPSU) along with transport fleets were on standby for 24 hours to assist residents with independent relocation. Edy also mentioned that many residents have started dismantling their own homes to salvage usable building materials like wood that can still be sold.