104
Learning from Cities— The 2nd Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation
â–Ą Jakarta Residents in the Newly-built Pluit Reservoir
Besides, the government tries to relocate
4. There are frequent contacts
them in the places not far from where they
between government leaders
used to stay, so as to provide convenience
and squatters, so as to increase
for their working. Of course, affordable
social support for the project
housing is not allowed to be sold and can
A strong leadership is the crucial
only be leased for an indefinite period.
point for the project to be proceeded.
Necessary facilities are available in
Over the past 20 years, it has been a
these new communities, such as schools,
difficult project to relocate the squatters
markets, health care facilities, and thus
without harassing their human rights.
the squatters’ overall life quality can be
Reservoir dwellers are mainly fishermen
improved and more jobs can be created
or fishing workers, who belong to low-
in the meantime. Also, the provincial
income groups. They live on the bank of
government has promised that 50,000
the reservoir and are unwilling to move
affordable housing will be provided by
away not only because they can use the
the year 2017. And 80% of the cost comes
land for free (in fact illegal), but also
from the government and the 20% is from
because they can make money by renting
social financing.
out the house they built.