Jakarta takes back public spaces, riverbanks

JAKARTA. Using the newly endorsed Spatial Zoning Bylaw as it latest weapon, the Jakarta administration is preparing to relocate squatters occupying public spaces and riverbanks in the capital.

“We will prioritize public spaces, reservoirs and riverbanks,” Deputy Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama told reporters at City Hall on Thursday.

He said squatters were not the only ones who would be subject to relocation.

“Many private companies are also misusing our public spaces, such as for workshop space or to park their trucks.

“Mayors should be aware of this kind of violation and take firm action against them,” he added.

The relocation of squatters from several riverbanks, dams and reservoirs is an ongoing project that will be extended to other sites in line with the city administration’s plan to reclaim rivers and lakes across the capital.

“Our aim is to first clear up the riverbanks and waterways to make way for heavy equipment,” he said, adding that squatters would be relocated to city-owned low-cost apartments.

Ahok pointed out that the city would also conduct an online system trial for permit building issuance.

“Starting next year, people who apply for building permits can do so online and they will not need to pay for the permit,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahok said the city administration would not audit building permit violations, which had occurred in the past. “The bylaw does not apply retroactively,” he said.

Spatial Planning Agency head Gamal Sinurat acknowledged that over time the city had seen many changes to land-use purposes, he attributed it to: “The regulations allowing the governor to make changes to land-use purposes for reasons such as to generate income.”

Regional Legislation Body (Balegda) member Perdata Tambunan said that the bylaw, which consisted of 23 chapters and 672 articles, would help the city administration control land-use purposes right up to the subdistrict level.

“[We hope] the bylaw will help the administration create a city life that is more innovative and productive while maintaining the balance between urban development and environment sustainability,” Perdata said, adding that the city should soon disseminate information on the Spatial Zoning Bylaw to the public.

He also encouraged the executive to create supporting regulations and draft the underground and air space draft bylaw, as well as the draft bylaw on the North Jakarta reclamation area.

Ahok said that the city was currently preparing the supporting regulations and follow-up bylaws.

Previously, spatial planning in the capital was regulated by the 2030 Provincial Spatial Planning (RTRW) Bylaw. However, the bylaw could not be used as a legal basis to control land misuse as it only stipulated general clauses.

The Spatial Zoning Bylaw regulates land-use purposes up to the subdistrict level, including the type of activity, building management, space-use intensity and technical standards.

The bylaw also includes specific locations for apartments, park-and-ride areas and other major projects, such as the Transjakarta, mass rapid transit (MRT) and monorail systems as well as the giant seawall.

Each municipality will have several business district areas with West Jakarta and East Jakarta as the primary centers. (Sita W. Dewi)