INDONESIA: Forced eviction renders hundreds homeless and threatens security of others 

Dear friends,

It has come to the attention of the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) that on 11 January 2006, approximately 125 semi-permanent houses were bulldozed by the local authorities, evicting 140 families from their homes in Kampung Melayu, Jatinegara, East Jakarta, Indonesia.

This incident is the latest in a series of forced evictions related to the 35 kilometers Double-Double Track Railway Project (DDT) along East Jakarta-Cikarang. Previous evictions occurred in Pisangan Timur, Jatinegara, East Jakarta on 4 January 2006. Approximately 458 buildings in Pisangan Timur were destroyed and 489 families are now homeless, living in temporary tents.

An estimated 1,817 buildings in East Jakarta will be affected by this railway project, which means that thousands of people will be rendered homeless. Furthermore, the project would also
pose threats to the rights of people living along the railway track, particularly to their right to an adequate standard of living.

The AHRC urges you to write to the relevant authorities demanding that no further forced evictions occur, and that the victims of the previous evictions are given suitable compensation and alternative housing. The Indonesian government ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 30 September 2005, and must take all measures to uphold its obligations under the Covenant.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission
—————————————————-

DETAILED INFORMATION:

On 11 January 2006, approximately 125 semi-permanent houses were bulldozed by civil and military officers, forcibly evicting 140 families from their homes in Kampung Melayu, Jatinegara, East Jakarta. Although some houses are still standing, the tenants have chosen to live in temporary tents around the neighborhood with the other evictees, afraid of intimidation and harassment if they continue living in their homes. Their conditions are worsened by the rainy season; nearly everyday there are heavy rain falls. No alternative housing arrangements have been made for the victims, and they have also not been given any compensation.

This incident is the latest in a series of forced evictions related to the 35 kilometers Double-Double Track Railway Project (DDT) along East Jakarta-Cikarang. Previous evictions occurred in Pisangan Timur, Jatinegara, East Jakarta on 4 January 2006. Approximately 458 buildings in Pisangan Timur were destroyed and 489 families are now homeless, living in temporary tents.

An estimated 1,817 buildings in East Jakarta will be affected by this railway project, which means that thousands of people will be rendered homeless. The specific houses affected by the DDT are namely:  46 Kebon Manggis, 118 Kampung Melayu, 101 Rawabunga, 298 Pisangan Baru, 481 Pisangan Timur, 110 Jatinegara Kaum, 198 Jatinegara, 140 Penggilingan, 181 Pulogebang and 160 Cipinang. Furthermore, the project would also pose threats to the rights of people living along the railway track, particularly their right to an adequate standard of living.

They DDT project is managed by Indonesia’s Department of Transportation, Directorate General of Land Transportation. The executor of the forced eviction is the (administrative) Orderliness Police under Major City of East Jakarta supported by Police Units from East Jakarta. The Indonesian government has received funds for this project from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The AHRC urges the Indonesian authorities to ensure that no further forced evictions occur and that the victims of the previous evictions are given suitable compensation and alternative housing. The Indonesian government ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 30 September 2005, and must take all measures to uphold its obligations under the Covenant.

Suggested action:
Please send letters to the authorities below, urging them to respect the housing rights of Indoneisan citizens.

 

 

To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER