Bungur Residents: KAI’s Eviction Is Unlawful, We Are Not Illegal Settlers
**Jakarta** – Residents on Bungur Street, Central Jakarta, resisted an eviction carried out by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). They also asserted that they were not illegal occupants, but lawful residents with official permits.
“We are not illegal settlers. These are state-owned houses classified as Category III, occupied by retirees of the Ministry of Transportation since 1954,” explained the residents’ lawyer, Juventhy M. Siahaan from the law firm Buyung and Partners, in a statement on Friday (April 15, 2016).
Buyung dismissed KAI’s allegation that the area was an illegal settlement. In the past, employees of the Ministry of Transportation had received occupancy permits signed by the Head of the Railway Department.
“Meanwhile, KAI insists on proceeding with the eviction based on Right-to-Use Certificate No. 20 of 1988. However, based on our review, the Ministry of Transportation c.q. PJKA has no legal standing,” he elaborated.
Juventini emphasized that in a state governed by law, KAI should prioritize legal procedures. (See also: Eviction of Illegal Buildings in Bungur to Build a Train Depot to the Airport)
“PT KAI is not a court, nor a judicial institution that has the authority to carry out executions. If this continues, it could create chaos. KAI cannot simply assume it has execution powers. The country could fall into disorder,” he stressed.
There are 14 residents, consisting of retirees, widows, and heirs, who lived in Bungur. They are now staying temporarily with relatives.
“What KAI has carried out is not the removal of illegal buildings. KAI has no legal basis. The certificate is not under their name and there is no court order,” he stated.
The residents were unable to do anything and could only surrender when forcibly evicted. According to Juventini, they were still undergoing legal proceedings at the Administrative Court (PTUN).
“We have occupancy letters signed by the Head of the Department,” he concluded. (dra/dra)