'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)