PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The government has demonstrated its commitment to improving the quality of life of the community through a relocation program for residents living under bridges and other unsuitable areas.

One of the areas that is the focus is around the Prof. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja (Pasupati) bridge underpass and entering the RW 15 area of Tamansari Village, Bandung City.

This has become a residence for 100 families who are beneficiaries of this relocation program, with details of 33 heads of families (KK) from Bandung City, 50 KK from Bandung Regency and 17 KK from Cimahi City.

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait said that this program not only provides new housing, but also empowers relocated residents.

"We have prepared 116 housing units in Rancaekek and Solokan Jeruk (Bandung Regency), complete with economic empowerment plans and other supporting facilities. This is an effort to ensure that residents are not only relocated, but actually get a better life," he said while reviewing the targets of the PPKS Handling Program through facilitation of Rusunawa and Economic Empowerment in Bandung City, Wednesday (5/12/2024).

Maruarar also highlighted the importance of providing social facilities at the relocation site. The new land is designed to be equipped with a reading park, a learning center, and a children's play area.

"We want this relocation to not just be a one-time project, but to be part of a sustainable program based on the aspirations of the residents, including the children. This is a concrete step to make them not only have a place to live, but also an environment that supports their growth and development," he said.

The relocation program is designed to address the fundamental problems faced by residents in uninhabitable areas. One inspiring story is of a mother who has lived in a small room with her husband and two children for years.

"They have been living in such conditions for a long time. This relocation will give them new hope, with a more decent and healthy place to live," he said.

West Java Regional Secretary (Sekda) Herman Suryatman added that the government will ensure the validity of the residency status of all relocated residents.

"We will conduct a factual analysis to ensure that those who live here are truly settled and not just temporarily staying. We will also provide population facilities and ensure they are not trapped in administrative problems," he said.

He confirmed that assistance would be provided for a period of 1 to 1.5 years, with rental fee exemption for the first six months.

"After that, they will be given the opportunity to be economically independent, including through entrepreneurial opportunities and access to capital," he said.

Herman said the government will continue to monitor the basic needs of residents after relocation, such as education and health, and encourage the integration of various stakeholders to support the success of this program.

"We work across sectors to ensure all aspects of their lives are well facilitated," he said.

The government is targeting the program to start running by the end of this month. The relocation process will begin with factual verification to ensure that only those who really need it receive benefits.

Meanwhile, the Bandung City Government (Pemkot) has shown its full commitment to this program. Acting Mayor of Bandung A. Koswara expressed his support as part of a joint effort to realize the welfare of the community in his area.

As is known, as many as 100 families will be relocated to two Flats, in Solokan Jeruk and Rancaekek, Bandung Regency. The residents affected by the relocation welcomed the government's efforts.

Susanti Sundari (35), a resident of RT 08 RW 15, whose house was affected by the relocation, for example. She is grateful to be able to get more suitable housing in Rancaekek, Bandung Regency.

"Yes, thank God we got a house. We also got help from the Minister," he said.

Susanti admitted that she has lived for 15 years on a land measuring about 3x5 meters under the Prof. Mochtar Kusumaatmadja (Pasupati) bridge. She lives with four people on the small land.

"Positive (resident response). Of course we are grateful," he said.