Officials Demolish 31 Illegal Structures Along Cengkareng Drain Embankment in West Jakarta

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Joint task force from the West Jakarta City Government demolished 31 illegal semi-permanent structures on Jalan Kembangan Baru RW 03 or along the embankment of Cengkareng Drain, Kelurahan Kembangan Utara, Kembangan, on Wednesday.

The demolition of these structures was carried out after the local government issued three warning letters (SP), which were ignored by some building owners.

“Some buildings were already demolished independently by their owners after the issuance of SP 3 on Monday (20/4). The total number of semi-permanent structures cleared is 31,” said the Kembangan Sub-District Head, Joko Suparno, when contacted in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Joko stated that the demolition, conducted with 100 combined personnel, was to follow up on DKI Perda No. 8 of 2007 on public order.

“In addition to being built on government assets, their presence also disrupts the environment, appearing shabby and dirty,” said Joko.

He added that the debris from the demolition was transported by several trucks from Satpol PP, Tamhut, SDA, and other vehicles.

“After the enforcement, there are proposals to add green areas along the Cengkareng Drain embankment, for sports facilities such as jogging tracks or for pedestrian paths. We will study together which one is most beneficial, adjusted to the needs of the surrounding residents,” he added.

Cengkareng Drain itself is a vital flood control infrastructure in the West Jakarta area. This channel functions to accommodate and quickly channel rainwater, especially from major rivers such as Kali Angke and Kali Mookervart, to prevent flooding in the Daan Mogot, Kembangan, and surrounding areas.