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)