Police Seize Hundreds of Weapons in Kalijodo Raid Ahead of Eviction

Police on Saturday (20/02) seized hundreds of weapons in North Jakarta's Kalijodo red-light district that they suspect were meant to be used to attack security personnel during the areas impending eviction process. During the anti-crime raid, which was not met with resistance, police found around 500 of such weapons, including samurai swords, machetes, sickles and arrows, hidden in cafes and bars.

"We believe that these weapons were going to be used against officials from the Jakarta administration when they come to demolish the residents' homes," said Sr. Comr. Martuani Sormin, operational unit head of the Jakarta Police.

Saturday's raid, during which officers also seized around 10,000 bottles of bootleg liquor, was part of a series of operations police have vowed to conduct in support of the eviction plans for Kalijodo, which they said is a hotbed for crime.

"After this, we hope crime rates in Kalijodo will gradually decline," said Sr. Comr. Mohammad Iqbal, spokesman for the Jakarta Police.
Jakarta's oldest red-light districts will be turned into what the city administration said is its original function: an open green space the capital is in dire need of to help overcome annual flooding.

The administration will offer the affected residents–whom they said reside on state land–assistance to change their professions, return to their respective hometowns or move to low-cost apartment complexes.
But some of the residents, who insist they rightfully own the land, have indicated that they will resist the plan. Only nine days remain for Kalijodo resident to peacefully leave their homes before they are forcefully evicted.

(Jakarta Globe)

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