Kampung Akuarium, an informal urban settlement in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, once found itself in the spotlight when residents were evicted for occupying state land, but now the future is looking brighter with plans in place to develop a kampung susun (vertical village) for the residents and transform the area into a tourist site to boost the local economy. In addition to building the kampung susun, the Jakarta administration plans to transform the area into a tourist village where the public can stay to enjoy the city’s coastline. For some residents, the plan is their only glimmer of hope after their homes were reduced to rubble three years ago. May Saroh, 42, said the reconstruction of the kampung would be a sign the city acknowledged the rights of all residents to live decent lives. “The eviction was the most tragic experience of our lives. We were not prepare...