“A rubber plantation turned neighborhood” sounds like an intriguing origin story. Today we are standing in Cibodasari. Let’s delve into its past.
Cibodasari, a district in Tangerang, Banten Province, wasn’t always the bustling community it is today. Back in the 1970s, this area was a quiet rubber plantation, part of Curug in Tangerang Regency. Imagine vast stretches of rubber trees, a far cry from the residential area it is now.
The transformation began when the unproductive rubber plantation was converted into a housing complex. This was Perumnas Karawaci. Perumnas, which stands for Perumahan Nasional, translates to National Housing. The government initiated this project. It aimed to provide housing for middle and lower-income families around Jabodetabek. This included Perumnas Karawaci.
Perumnas Karawaci was developed by Perum Perumnas. This state-owned enterprise was established on July 18, 1974. It focused on housing development. In the 1980s, Perum Perumnas expanded. They built Perumnas Karawaci 2, 3 and 4.
The establishment of Cibodasari is linked to a decree issued on February 23, 1981. It concerned the appointment of the Head of Cibodasari Village on January 26, 1981. Cibodasari Village initially comprised 11 Rukun Keluarga. These were separated from Cibodas Village in Curug District, Tangerang Regency.
Cibodasari was originally part of Tangerang Regency. Later, it was elevated to an Administrative City. Finally, it was designated as Tangerang Municipality on February 28, 1993. In 1993, Jatiuwung District was divided. This created Cibodas and Periuk Districts. Cibodasari became part of Cibodas District. The term “Kotamadya Tangerang” was changed to “Kota” in 2001. In 2001, seven new districts were formed. These were separated from their parent districts. Cibodasari became part of Cibodas District. This district was formed from Jatiuwung District.
The first Head of the Village was H. Samiri Sanja. He served as PJS until 1983. In 1983, the first Village Head election was held. Rais Soegeng won. The election took place at Cemara Field. Part of this field is now a residential area and the Cemara Mini Stadium.
In its early days, Perumnas 1 Karawaci was often mocked. People called it a desolate place. Some even referred to the houses as “bird cages”. The houses had asbestos roofs and batako walls. Wastewater was channeled through underground pipes to oxidation ponds. The area around Perumnas 1 Karawaci felt barren.
Access to Perumnas 1 Karawaci from Jakarta was limited. It was only possible via Jl. Daan Mogot. In 1984, the Jakarta-Tangerang Toll Road was built. This was extended to become the Jakarta-Merak Toll Road in 1992. After the toll road was built, Perumnas 1 Karawaci, especially Tangerang, began to grow. It became a new city. It also became an economic center supporting Jakarta.
Currently, Cibodasari covers an area of 97.2 hectares. It has a population of 30,846 people based on the 2020 BPS Population Census. Cibodasari is divided into 128 Rukun Tetangga and 25 Rukun Warga. Each RW has different characteristics and socio-economic conditions. The heterogeneous community of Cibodasari is unique. This is because the entire area is the Perumnas 1 Karawaci Residential Area.
So, as you walk through Cibodasari today, remember its humble beginnings. From a rubber plantation to a thriving community, it has undergone quite a transformation.