'River squatters must leave today'

'River squatters must leave today'

JAKARTA (JP): Deputy governor for administration, Idroes, said
yesterday that the squatters whose houses on the banks of the
Ciliwung River were recently demolished must leave the area
today.

He said the government would not allow the residents to live
in misery following the demolition of their houses in Penjambon,
Central Jakarta, on Oct. 19.

"The government offers three alternatives to the families.
They can join the transmigration program outside Java, move to
low-cost apartments or return to their hometowns," he said.

The homeless people should not demand any compensation from
the government, Idroes said, because the land on which they had
been living is government property.

Since the authorities demolished their homes, the families
concerned have been living in tents erected along the riverbank.
They have been demanding compensation from the government.

Senen District Head M. Haidy Kosasih, however, reiterated
yesterday that the squatters would receive no compensation.

He said that the deadline for the residents to leave the area
is today.(32)