As many as 70 joint personnel controlled illegal buildings that occupied water channel on Jalan Haji Taiman Barat, RT 04/02, Gedong Urban Village, Pasar Rebo District, East Jakarta.

Secretary of Gedong Urban Village, Edi Rusmanto said the clean-up was carried out because the building stood on a water channel, thus hindering its function and maintenance.

"Apart from disrupting the water flow, the location is also filled with piles of rubbish which gives off an unpleasant smell and makes local residents uncomfortable," he said, Wednesday (4/15).

Edi explained that the area would be returned to its original function as a water channel to prevent potential flooding.

Prior to the cleanup, according to Edi, the urban village had issued a warning letter and held a meeting with the RT, RW, and LMK administrators on April 13, 2026.

"The meeting agreed that the building must be controlled. We do it in accordance with standard operating procedures," he added.

Meanwhile, Head of RT 04/02, Gedong Urban Village, Yusuf said residents have complained about this condition because as long as illegal buildings remain standing, the garbage problem will continue to recur.

"This cleanup is a solution to ensure the water channels function optimally again. We greatly appreciate it," he admitted.