City resumes land acquisition for canal

JAKARTA: The land acquisition process to finish the East Flood Canal is still going on, with the city looking to settle payments for 19 land parcels and unearth 333 graves in East Jakarta.

Deputy Governor Prijanto said the affected landowners had given their permission for the project and had agreed to be compensated.

"They can receive the compensation payment soon," Prijanto said Tuesday.

He said 298 of the total 587 graves in Pondok Kopi had been moved to Pasar Rebo in East Jakarta, while 44 in Cipinang Besar Selatan would be moved to Pondok Rangon, also in East Jakarta.

"We pay Rp 560,000 *US$60* for each grave and Rp 400,000 for each tombstone," Prijanto said.

The city plans to finish the East Flood Canal by the end of this year. - JP