JAKARTA. The Jakarta city administration is seeking a plot of land in Luar Batang in North Jakarta to construct low-cost rental apartments (rusunawa) to accommodate people affected by a project to revitalize Luar Batang Mosque, an icon of religious tourism.
The city is looking at two plots of land, both owned by private companies, namely PT Pluit Sakti Karisma and PT Karya Teknik Utama, according to acting North Jakarta mayor Wahyu Hariadi.
City Secretary Saefullah said both plots of land were in places suitable for local people who earn a living as fishermen, and also within easy reach of Luar Batang Mosque.
Saefullah was instructed by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama to negotiate with Luar Batang residents, who have expressed their opposition to the city administration's plan to demolish their houses.
“There’ve been rumors flying around that the administration wants to relocate the residents far from the mosque. It’s not like that. We plan to move them not far from the mosque,” Saefullah claimed at City Hall on Monday.
He expressed hope that land could be acquired immediately for the construction of low-cost apartments.
As a tourist spot, Luar Batang Mosque will be connected to the project to revitalize the nearby Kota Tua, said Saefullah, adding that the Jakarta Bina Marga ( Roads ) Agency would also expand road access by up to five meters to the mosque and increase parking facilities for visitors.
Saefullah on Monday visited the mosque to hand over a city administration donation, but his visit was opposed by local people, who remain suspicious over the city administration’s plan to evict them from the area. The donation included uniforms for the mosque's attendants.
Saefullah stressed that the administration would still go ahead with its plan to purchase land near the mosque, and would also construct a plaza to provide street vendors space to do business, particularly for selling souvenirs and foods.
“If the residents are willing to sell their land, we will purchase the land from them,” the city official said. (Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)
