A joint task force comprising personnel from the Central Jakarta Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), Public Works, Water Resources, Transportation, and Environmental agencies, with support from the Indonesian National Police and Armed Forces, demolished 61 illegal structures along the banks of the Sentiong River on Salemba Tengah Street in Paseban, Senen, on Wednesday. The operation covered areas within Neighborhood Associations (RW) 04, 05, 06, and 08 as part of efforts to restore the riverbank’s intended function. Paseban Village Head, Citra Arum Purdiarini, said authorities had previously conducted public outreach and issued warning letters, giving owners the opportunity to dismantle the structures voluntarily before enforcement began.
The illegal buildings, stretching across approximately 1.2 kilometers of the riverbank, included food stalls, animal shelters, security posts, and residential units. Authorities have targeted completion of the demolition within two days, after which several government agencies will begin revitalizing the area. The clearance is intended not only to remove unauthorized structures but also to support long-term improvements to the river corridor and surrounding public space.
Following the demolition, the Central Jakarta Water Resources Agency will resume construction of the Sentiong River sheet pile project, which had remained unfinished for several years. Reinforcing the riverbank is expected to improve flood mitigation and strengthen the area’s infrastructure. At the same time, the Parks and Urban Forest Agency plans to develop a public green space that local residents can use for recreation and community activities, transforming the former settlement into a more organized and environmentally friendly area.
The redevelopment reflects the Jakarta administration’s broader effort to reclaim riverbanks, improve urban infrastructure, and create more accessible public spaces. Officials emphasized that the coordinated action involved multiple agencies to ensure both orderly enforcement and sustainable follow-up development. Once completed, the project is expected to enhance environmental conditions, reduce risks associated with informal riverbank settlements, and provide long-term benefits for the surrounding community.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
