Talking to reporters after a meeting with Jokowi at City Hall on Monday evening, Rachmat emphasized his commitment to solving the perennial flood issue, saying he was ready to demolish illegal buildings on water catchment areas.

'I am targeting to demolish 800 villas this year,' he said, refusing to give details on the buildings' ownership.

'I don't care whether the owners are high-profile figures or not. A violation is a violation,' he added.

According to Rachmat, his administration had demolished 241 buildings throughout 2013.

The Bogor regent said his administration also fully supported Jokowi's administration to build two reservoirs in areas within the regency.

To implement the project, the Jakarta administration is aiming to acquire 107 hectares plot of land in Cipayung Datar and 24.8 hectares in Sukamahi, Bogor regency, while the construction of the reservoirs will be handled by the Public Works Ministry.

Appreciating Rachmat's support, Jokowi said: 'We should acknowledge that not all local leaders are as brave as him.' (ebf)

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