IO, Jakarta – Kampung Akuarium is located in North Jakarta, was traditionally inhabited by more than 200 heads of families, but demolition began on 11 April 2016, now only about 100 families reside there.
Despite the area being ripped up, residents stay in containment tents not worthy of habitation. However, they are generally reluctant to leave, because they still harbour hopes that the Government will rebuild their homes.
Residents questioned by the Independent Observer claim that Kampung Akuarium is their real home. They do not want to leave, because their life histories are written here. For them, ‘Kampung Akuarium’ is part of their very identity.
Because hope springs eternally for them, the time spent with and for their kith and kin is not replaceable by the sweet talk and empty promises of stakeholders. For them, hope is the only thing that keeps them going. (Dessy Aipipidely)
