Residents Block Kali Baru Timur Road Claiming Unpaid Land Compensation, Here is the Sub-District Head's Explanation

The Cengkareng Sub-District Government in West Jakarta has responded to residents’ action in blocking access to Jalan Raya Kali Baru Timur in Kapuk Ward. The main road closure along the Cengkareng Drain was carried out by residents claiming to be heirs of the landowners. They stated that compensation rights for the land acquisition have not been paid since 2008. Acting Sub-District Head (Plt) of Cengkareng, Simson Hutagalung, emphasised that the land dispute is under the authority of the Ciliwung Cisadane River Basin Main Agency (BBWSCC), not the regional government. Simson said he had sent an official letter to the BBWSCC on Tuesday (14/4/2026) requesting information and opening data on the history of land acquisition in the area now used as a public road. “It still needs to be confirmed first; if it has indeed been acquired, which parts were acquired, whether it includes those claimed by the heirs or how. For now, we have taken action by sending a letter. Later, if there is clarity, we can discuss the data and convey it to the heirs,” said Simson. Although he does not yet have official data, Simson personally believes that the government generally would not build public facilities like public roads without resolving administrative matters and compensation. However, he assured that the sub-district will continue to facilitate and bridge all residents’ complaints. He also mentioned that the sub-district and ward officials had previously visited the heirs directly to gather more information. “This is my personal opinion; the government surely goes through a compensation process when acquiring land for roads. Especially since this is made into a public road for residents’ mobility, it’s impossible that it hasn’t been paid. But we still accommodate our residents’ requests for data. Later, if there is further information, we can sit down together,” he stated. In the area along the riverbank, a series of bamboo structures were assembled and used to block part of the road surface. The left side of the road was used to hang a red banner stating a protest directed at the Governor of DKI Jakarta and the Mayor of West Jakarta that the land in the road area has not been paid for. “This land belongs to the heirs of Sa’anah binti Sainan No. Girik 2784 P 92 SIII. From 2008 until now, compensation has not been paid,” read the banner.