J

akarta residents are increasingly expressing their open rejection of aggressive development, claiming that the ongoing construction is disturbing their lives. In particular, residents of the upscale Pondok Indah housing complex in South Jakarta are unimpressed by the ongoing construction of a superblock project in the area. The residents deem the construction of the superblock to have caused constant noise, worsened traffic conditions, and disrupted drainage.

Pondok Indah resident Ricky Lestari said the project’s daily construction hours exceeded reasonable limits, often continuing well into the middle of the night when residents were trying to sleep.

“Many of my neighbors, particularly those who reside right behind the project, are also disturbed by the noise,” Ricky told The Jakarta Post recently.

Ricky and other residents claim that the excessive work hours are likely due to the construction deadline PT Metropolitan Kentjana is expected to meet.

Developer PT Metropolitan Kentjana, a subsidiary of Pondok Indah Group, is currently working on three simultaneous projects: Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) 3, Pondok Indah Office Tower and the Intercontinental Hotel and Residence.

The projects are expected to complement PIM 1 and 2 and Pondok Indah Residence, all of which are located near the intersection of Jl. Metro Pondok Indah.

Louis Pkaila, a neighborhood unit chief in the area, said that the intense development in recent years had disrupted the drainage system in the area.

“Drainage has been hampered since the development of so many properties began here. Flood spots have begun to occur in several areas after heavy rain,” said Louis, adding that despite all the disturbance residents are forced to suffer, the developer had failed to initiate talks or provided compensation.

“We are frustrated. They undertake [the projects] on their own terms, without talks or compensation,” he said.

Wiyono, the Metropolitan Kentjana operational manager, said that the Pondok Indah housing complex was located in a commercial area.

“From the very start, Pondok Indah has been developed as a business and commercial center, with housing complex facilities. We developed the residences first,” he said over the phone.

Wiyono said that the company would hear complaints from residents and would try to meet their demands.

Environmental expert Firdaus Ali told The Post that construction projects, including those in Pondok Indah, had always disrupted drainage.

“Even though companies receive a building permit, whenever a construction is underway the surrounding drainage is hampered. Therefore, routine enforcement must be undertaken by the government,” he said.

On the issue of long construction hours and noise, Firdaus said the developer should stop before 6 p.m.

“If construction is in a business district, then it is okay to continue the project until 10 p.m.,” he added.

The underpass next to PIM, managed by PT Metropolitan Kentjana, was recently inundated with 30 cm of water, leading to criticism from Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.

In a similar protest, residents of a luxury apartment complex located in the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), South Jakarta, recently placed a large banner in front of their high-rise building to protest noise arising from a nearby nightclub.(adt)