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Kampung Akuarium residents see brighter future in redevelopment plans
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.
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Workers complete a shelter in Kampung Akuarium, North Jakarta, on Jan. 29, 2018. (JP/Seto Wardhana.)
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ampung 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 prepared and had no idea where to go. Not to mention, our children were sitting their final exams at the time,” May told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.
“My twin boys, who were still in middle school, were forced to stay at the pesantren [Islamic boarding school], while my daughter and youngest son came with me to stay at a nearby hall.”
After a month living in the hall, May and other locals were given eight tents to share between them.
