Seven illegal buildings in Central Jakarta's Kampung Bali to be dismantled

The Kampung Bali sub-district office in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, has confirmed it will soon dismantle seven semi-permanent buildings on Jalan Kampung Bali XXXII, RT 02/RW 09, once technical preparations are complete. Sub-district head Musa said the preparations are intended to ensure the demolition proceeds safely and to minimise potential friction. “It is about readiness, because we need more thorough preparation. The aim is to avoid friction and ensure everything is safe and in accordance with the rules,” Musa said when contacted on Monday. He stressed that the demolition process has followed administrative procedures, from the issuance of Warning Letter 1, Warning Letter 2, to Warning Letter 3. According to him, the government is now just waiting for the right time to carry out the execution. “The process is underway, from SP-1, SP-2, SP-3, and now we are just waiting for the execution. We will execute it in the near future,” Musa said. He noted that the buildings to be demolished are semi-permanent structures that have long stood on social and public facilities, with some used as dwellings. “Four families have already moved. Three are still holding out, but the process is ongoing,” Musa said. He revealed that only one person claims to manage the buildings at the site. However, based on government verification, that individual cannot provide proof of land ownership. Musa asserted there is no legal basis for the occupants to challenge the planned demolition. “It is not because of a lawsuit; they have no evidence whatsoever, so they cannot sue,” Musa stressed. Meanwhile, Tanah Abang District Head Dwiarti Indriani Utami said the government has shown tolerance towards the occupants for years. However, reorganisation must proceed after numerous public complaints about the environmental conditions at the location. “The demolition is necessary to restore the function of public facilities and to create a more orderly residential environment,” Dwiarti stated.