Slum areas increase as more join poverty

Slum areas increase as more join poverty

JAKARTA (JP): The number of slum areas in the capital grew to
135 subdistricts as of June this year from 106 subdistricts in
January, as more Jakartans were pushed below the poverty line by
the economic crisis, an official said on Friday.

City social disturbance control center official Sularno said
the new slum areas emerged mostly in poverty-stricken
subdistricts in East and West Jakarta.

"More and more people have been forced to live in overcrowded
houses. The rainy season has started... and conditions in the
slums are filthy because the water does not immediately drain
off. Puddles filled with garbage are seen everywhere in these
places.

"The houses do not have ventilation or proper flooring. More
people will be forced to use soapy water from shared wells for
their baths... or even for consumption," Sularno said.

Data from his office showed there were now slums in at least
34 of the 65 subdistricts in East Jakarta, and 35 of the 54
subdistricts in West Jakarta.

In East Jakarta, some of the subdistricts where slums are
found are Kampung Melayu, Bidaracina, Balimester, Cipinang Besar
Selatan, Cipinang Besar Utara and Rawa Bunga in Jatinegara
district; Pisangan Timur, Cipinang, Pulogadung, Rawamangun, Jati
and Kayu Putih in Pulogadung; Pisangan Baru, Utan Kayu Utara,
Utan Kayu Selatan, Kayumanis, Palmerah and Kebon Manggis in
Matraman.

The subdistricts in West Jakarta where slums are located
include Kalianyar, Tambora, Tanah Seral, Krendang, Jembatan Besi,
Angke, Pekojan and Jembatan Lima in Tambora district; Krukut,
Maphar, Tangki, Mangga Besar, Keagungan and Pinangsia in Taman
Sari; Cengkareng Barat, Cengkareng Timur, Kapuk, Rawa Buaya and
Kedaung Kaliangke in Cengkareng.

Data also revealed slums were found in at least 28 of the 37
subdistricts in North Jakarta, 18 of the 65 subdistricts in South
Jakarta and 20 of the 44 subdistricts in Central Jakarta.(ylt)