'Reclamation project will push the poor aside'

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso announced this week the city administration's plan to continue a reclamation project along the city's north coast (Pantura). The project, costing Rp 20 trillion, would likely cover more than 5,000 hectares. Many who are opposed to the plan say it would cause environmental damage and incite social unrest among locals. The Jakarta Post talked to some urban dwellers on the plan.

Andi , 29, is a bicycle taxi (ojek) driver in Muara Karang, North Jakarta. His wife and son reside in Paku Haji, Tangerang, Banten:

I think the reclamation project will only make things tougher for those in the lower-income bracket.

I'm sure that the project does not simply serve the interests of the city administration, but rather it is a business deal involving city officials and rich businessmen.

That would be more proof that the city administration never takes the side of the less fortunate.

Recently, some city officials came here to inspect the area on behalf of Governor Sutiyoso. They promised to build proper housing for poor people living near Muara Angke.

But I'm quite sure they were lying, because as soon as they start the project, they will only concentrate on the rich businessmen's interests and just push the poor aside.

I'm not sure if all the residents here are aware that they do not have the right to live in coastal areas here. But if the project goes ahead, poor people might be willing to leave peacefully under the condition that the government treats them decently and doesn't just throw them out.

The plan is so ridiculous as it only favors the rich. I don't know if I'll be able to keep being an ojek (bicycle taxi) driver here when they reclaim the land, as it will be occupied by the rich and they don't use this form of transportation.

Kirman, 38, sells fresh fruit at the Muara Angke bus station in North Jakarta. He lives with other vendors in Kali Adem, North Jakarta. His wife and four children are in Central Java:

I disagree with the government's plan to reclaim land along the coastal area.

The project only favors the rich as it is only them who can afford to go to the malls and other luxurious places.

As soon as those kinds of facilities are built here, the poor will surely be evicted.

I don't think the local government or the affluent feel they owe anything to the poor. But they do, because it is poor people's hard work that has enabled them to enjoy their lifestyle.

My neighbors and I have had to work hard to make this area a better place to live. And we will have to stand by and watch while the land is taken away from us due to the project.

Rich people are always lucky, because the government always helps them. I'm sure the project will be completed quickly because the land here has already been prepared by the poor.

I'm worried about where we are going to go when the project starts.

Kusno, 40, is a motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver in Pluit, North Jakarta. He resides in Tanah Pasir, North Jakarta with his wife and two children:

I only know a little about the city government's plan to reclaim land along the north coast.

However, I think the project will only upset the people here.

I'm sure the project was planned to benefit the rich in particular. Only rich people can afford to live in reclaimed areas.

I'm just worried about the widening economic gap that will exist between the rich and the poor in these areas. It will trigger jealousy which could threaten security in the city.

I wonder why the government always panders to the rich, and ignores the plight of the poor.

I also worry about what impact the project will have on the environment following the development of the reclaimed land. More areas will be prone to floods.

-- Leo Wahyudi S