Residents protest road project

JAKARTA: Dozens of residents of Kebon Kacang subdistrict in Central Jakarta protested on Monday a road elevation project in the area, fearing that it would only worsen floods there.

The owner of Plaza Indonesia is currently raising the surface of Jl. Kebon Kacang 30 by one meter, making it higher than the foundations of houses in the area.

Residents also alleged that the road work was causing serious traffic congestion along the road.

Riza Taufik, one of the residents, said during the hearing with City Council Commission D for development affairs on Monday that Plaza Indonesia had not informed residents about the project, which began in late February.

"If there is heavy rainfall, the water will go to our houses as the road is higher than our houses," said Riza.

Mustafa Anis, another resident demanded that Commission D stop the project, which had been approved by the City Public Works Agency.

Commission D deputy chairman Muhayar said the road project could be stopped if the developer did not disseminate information about the project to residents. --JP