Reading the KBA news headline, 01/07/22, “Waiting 24 years, tens of thousands of Petamburan residents have now legally owned land,” made me gasp. The title reminds me of my commitment as a volunteer on justice for the local people on the disputed land of Petamburan, 4 years ago.
Reading the KBA news headline, 01/07/22, “Waiting 24 years, tens of thousands of Petamburan residents have now legally owned land,” made me gasp. The title reminds me of my commitment as a volunteer on justice for the local people on the disputed land of Petamburan, 4 years ago.
Volunteering for the Anies-Sandi Campaign in the 2017 Gubernatorial Election, because I want to win my hero, I dared to promise Anies’ support for justice for the people in Petamburan which has not been fulfilled by anyone who were the previous Governor of Jakarta Province for decades. I had no mandate, and no political calculation. There was only left: a desperation of an activist.
BACK in 2017, the DKI Jakarta Pilkada entered the second round, I was appointed as the Coordinator of the Roemah Djoeang (RD) Anies – Sandi Volunteer for Petamburan. After almost a month of working, but still not able to cover 50% of the area, it makes me dizzy running out of ways.
“How is it, Fahmi? Our progress is very slow,” I told Ahmad Fahmi when we stopped by for shelter at a security post.
Ahmad Fahmi, a Betawi child native to Petamburan, is the Volunteer Coordinator of RD Anies – Sandi RW 07 who almost every night accompanies me through the alleys in Petamburan.
“How are you, bro. But, let’s go to Bang Ridat’s house. Maybe he has suggestions that you need to listen to,” he replied.
Bang Ridat is the Head of RT 03 RW 05. He was about 60 at that time. In his time, he was a well-respected figure among Tanah Abang thugs. I was really very lucky to have succeeded in recruiting him, especially if I was willing to be the Volunteer Coordinator for RD Anies – Sandi for RW 05.
When the rain started to subside, Fahmi then hurriedly started his motorbike. In less than 15 minutes, we arrived at Bang Ridat’s house on Jalan Petamburan V, not far from the Jami Al Barokah Mosque, only a few meters away.
Even though the clock was showing the time of the morning, Bang Ridat’s house was still crowded with dozens of people. After shaking their hands one by one, Bang Ridat asked me to sit in the chair next to him while introducing me.
“Bang Fai is the Volunteer Coordinator of Roemah Djoeang Anies – Sandi Petamburan,” he said. Then he continued, “Bang Fai, these guys are from RW 09, near the flat.”
Hearing the name Petamburan flats, my dim spirit rekindled. It’s nothing, I’m really having a hard time breaking through that territory.
Understandably, starting from the TPU wall on Jl. KS Tubun back to Petamburan Flats on Jl. Administration II, is another candidate base. I then glanced at Fahmi, gesturing to speak immediately.
“It’s a coincidence, bro. You see, Bang Fai is having trouble recruiting volunteers there. We hope that these brothers are willing to help,” he said fishing.
“Actually, it’s not difficult, as long as Bang Fai is willing to accommodate our expectations,” snapped one of those sitting to the left of Bang Ridat.
Seeing that Fahmi’s bait was successful, I didn’t waste it.
“What do you mean brother?” I cut right away.
“Actually, we and the DKI Provincial Government have long had a dispute regarding the land for the construction of the flats. We have been fighting for almost 20 years and hope that every governor who is elected will return the land,” he said.
“Honestly, bro,” continued another. “Initially we chose Pair No. 1, because Mrs. Sylvi is from DKI, of course she understands this very well. But now, we just have to hope in Anies – Sandi. We are willing to help as long as you promise to fight for the land, if Anies-Sandi is elected.”
Without thinking, I took the opportunity. Whether I can or not, that’s a matter later, I thought.
“Okay, I will help fight for it, as long as Anies – Sandi wins Petamburan, at least 70%,” I said ending.
Since then, in less than two weeks, the RD Anies – Sandi volunteer team managed to cover Petamburan completely. Even Bang Ridat made his house a post. All of this cannot be separated from their success in convincing them that I am really very close to Anies.
Sure enough, Anies – Sandi won Petamburan almost 76%. Only, after confirming the victory, I hastily left. Because I suddenly felt afraid that a group of people would come looking for me to remind me of that promise.
Four years since then, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, has completely revoked Governor’s Decree No. 122/1997 and returned the land to the residents. I can’t imagine how happy they are, after going through 24 years of waiting.
After reading the news, I called Fahmi to make sure.
“Abang’s struggle was successful,” said Fahmi half shouting.
However, I suddenly felt guilty for lying to them all this time. I then changed the subject, then hastily ended it.
Like Fahmi, of course there are a number of people there who believe that it was because of my struggle. What struggle? Never mind access, just know Anies, no. Then, how to fight for it?
“Brother by chance. The problem is Brother Fai has difficulty recruiting volunteers there. We hope these brothers will help,” he said fishing.
“Actually, it’s not difficult, as long as Brother Fai is willing to accommodate our expectations,” said one of the people sitting to the left of Bang Ridat.
Seeing that Fahmi’s pass was successful, I didn’t waste that moment.
“What do you mean brother?” I immediately intervened.
“Actually, we and the DKI Provincial Government have had a long dispute over the land for the construction of a simple rental flat (shortened to “Rusunawa”). We have been fighting for almost 20 years and hope that every governor who is elected will return the land,” he said.
“Honestly, bro,” continued another. “Initially we chose candidate No. 1, because Mrs. Sylvi is from native Jakarta, of course she understands this very well. But now, we just have to hope in Anies – Sandi. We are willing to help as long as you promise to fight for the land, if Anies-Sandi win.”
Without thinking, I took the opportunity. Whether it would be a success or not, it is another business, in another episode, I thought.
“Okay, I’ll help fight it, as long as Anies – Sandi pair wins in Petamburan, at least 70%,” I ended.
Since then, in less than two weeks, the Anies – Sandi volunteer team managed to cover Petamburan completely. Even Bro Ridat made his house a command post. All of this cannot be separated from their success in convincing them that I am indeed very close to Anies.
Sure enough, Anies – Sandi won Petamburan almost 76%. It’s just that, after confirming victory, I hastily left. Because I suddenly felt afraid that a group of people would come looking for me to remind me of my promise.
Four years since then, the Governor of DKI Jakarta Anies Baswedan revoked the Governor’s Decree No. 122/1997 completely and returned the land to the residents.
I can’t imagine how happy they are, after going through 24 years of waiting. After reading the news, I called Fahmi to make sure.
“Your struggle is successful,” said Fahmi half shouting.
However, I suddenly felt guilty for lying to them all this drama. I then changed the subject, then hastily ended it.
Like Fahmi, of course there are a number of people in Petamburan who believe that Anies-Sandi’s victory was the result of my struggle.
What struggle? Let alone access, I don’t even know Anies. Moreover, to master how to realize my old promise.
“Soy sauce” with the brand “Anies” that I once ‘sold’ in Petamburan, really didn’t disappoint them. Because Anies is proven to have partiality and concern for the small people, more than the previous governors.
And, now, no one would curse me at Petamburan.
Thank you, Mr Governor!.
Article written by: Yarifai Mappeaty, Social and Political Observer