Squatters ask for an eviction delay

JAKARTA: Squatters living on the Buaran riverbanks, East Jakarta, held a rally outside City Hall on Thursday protesting against a planned eviction.

"We demand the administration delay the eviction for another six months, until the new school year enrollment period," said Dede Iskandar, one of the squatters.

A letter issued by the East Jakarta municipal office said the eviction would be carried out Saturday.

A few weeks ago, Buaran squatters held a rally outside City Council. At that time, the council received their representatives and promised to delay the eviction.

However, Dede added, the council later told them to negotiate with the city administration. "We feel that the council is playing a game with us."

Around 1,000 families live on the riverbanks. The city administration plans to clear all settlements from the riverbanks as part of a flood mitigation program. -- JP