Protest delays demolition of houses

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The demolition of 639 houses in Dadap village scheduled for yesterday was delayed upon the request of the ruling group Golkar's Central Board.

The Tangerang Regency spokesperson Ena Karlina told The Jakarta Post yesterday that a Golkar courier met with Regent Syaifullah AR, bringing a letter requesting permission to let Golkar members visit the area before any demolition is begun.

"The letter said Golkar will approach Perum Angkasa Pura over the compensation money promised for the owners of the illegal houses which will be dismantled," Ena said.

The residents said owners of permanent buildings received Rp 250,000 for each square meter of the building. Owners of temporary makeshift buildings received the lowest compensation of Rp 150,000 per square meter.

The residents had earlier vowed to approach the House of Representatives over the compensation.

Ena did not say when the meeting between Golkar and PT Angkasa Pura would take place.

Local authorities had earlier announced their plan to pull down the 639 illegal houses, located on state land in Dadap village, Kosambi District. Many of the houses have been used as illicit low-class prostitution dens.

Sixty-five structures in the area, including worship places and elementary schools, will not be affected, as they have permits.

The head of Tangerang regency's public order office, Ujang Rukana, said over the weekend that the owners of illegal buildings had ignored the regent's letters, which requested them to carry out the demolitions by themselves.

The regency issued its latest demolition order on May 4, stating that the deadline for the residents was May 19. However, the residents paid no attention to the order, Ujang said. (18/sur)