Residents of Bilik Village Concerned Relocation Will Cause Loss of Social Assistance and Increased Distance to Children's Schools

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Residents of Bilik Village in the Pegadungan Public Cemetery, Kalideres, West Jakarta, do not want to be relocated far from their previous homes. One of the local residents’ representatives, Budiyono (47), said that the relocation process seemed rushed and lacked certainty. “The residents are actually ready for relocation, but the clarity regarding all kinds of needs must be clear first,” said Budi when contacted by Kompas.com, Thursday (26/2/2026). He admitted that he was worried that if they had to move to an apartment complex located far away, the distance to their children’s schools would increase and their status as recipients of social assistance (Bansos) would be lost. “Then, regarding the impact of relocating to an apartment complex that is far away, will the government from the relevant department be responsible for their education, employment, and social well-being?” said Budi. However, the relevant department from the West Jakarta City Government, which is responsible for social assistance and education, has not provided any assurances. The residents are demanding that the relevant departments, such as the Education Department and the Population and Civil Registration Department, meet with the residents in person. “The Village Head said, ‘we will ensure that assistance is provided for their education.’ But we can’t accept that yet; that statement should come from the relevant department. So that we can hold them accountable,” he said. The same applies to the status of residents who have been receiving social assistance and are registered in the area. “Some of them are already registered in the accredited social assistance program with the central government. What will happen to them? We can’t just move. If we comply and then it doesn’t meet our expectations, where will we complain?” complained Budiyono. “We have written to the Mayor. Two days ago, we received a response from her assistant via telephone. We want to wait for the Mayor’s statement,” said Budi. “Whoever is present in the meeting, the important thing is that they can be held accountable for their statements,” he added. Meanwhile, the Village Head, Kamal Edy Sukarya, assured that the government would take care of all the administrative and facility needs of the relocated residents.