Kalijodo eviction uncertain: Mayor

Kalijodo eviction uncertain: Mayor

JAKARTA: The North Jakarta municipality is uncertain about
continuing its eviction program at the Kalijodo brothel and
gambling complex due to the lack of funds to compensate the
residents.

Mayor Soebagio told reporters on Tuesday that the municipality
must pay a total of Rp 150 million (US$15,000) to 200 families
living along the West Flood Canal riverbank.

He said the Public Works Agency was responsible for arranging
the request for the budget as it was a part of the city's canal
program.

Soebagio also denied rumors that he was under pressure from
certain powerful individuals with vested interests not to evict
Kalijodo residents.

The latest eviction at the complex last month had triggered
brawl among thugs from certain ethnic groups. One man died and
several others were injured in the brawl. -- JP