Ahok receives report on attack against officials

JAKARTA. Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama said on Tuesday that he had received a report about an attack by Luar Batang residents in North Jakarta on delegates tasked by the governor to negotiate with them over planned evictions.

The incident occurred on Monday evening when city secretary Saefullah arrived at Luar Batang Mosque to hand over donations, including uniforms for the mosque’s attendants.

 Saefullah was not harmed in the incident, having received protection from a group of residents.  

"I've received a complete report regarding the incident. A Public Order Agency [Satpol PP] officer was beaten. He received five stitches on his forehead. The subdistrict head was also beaten," Ahok told journalists at City Hall on Tuesday.

 Ahok spoke briefly on the attack, saying “let the police investigate the incident.” He did not want to speculate about the cause of the incident.

Ahok explained that Saefullah paid a visit to Luar Batang to also disseminate information on the Jakarta administration’s plan to relocate residents affected by the revitalization of the mosque.

 Mosque secretary Mansur Amin said separately that residents were angry and disappointed with the administration's plan, which was conveyed by Saefullah during a meeting in Penjaringan subdistrict.

They oppose the city administration’s plan to evict people from buildings that would be replaced with a plaza.  They also rejected the administration plan to construct a road to connect the mosque to Kota Tua.

Mansur said Saefullah entered the mosque and village without permission, sparking chaos.  "We felt cheated by Saefullah, who didn’t heed our warning," Mansur said in a press release.(Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)