Activists protest bridge relocation<\/p>\n
TANGERANG: Some 100 activists from Gedung Pemuda (GP 52), a non-
\ngovernmental organization concerned with public policy reform,
\nstaged a rally on Jl. MH. Thamrin here on Friday to protest the
\nconstruction of an arched pedestrian bridge connecting D'Best
\nMall on one side of the road and PT Argo Pantes on the other.<\/p>\n
GP 52 chairman Fahmi Elyusdi said the municipal administration
\nhad earlier planned to construct the crossing near the Serpong
\ntollgate in Kebon Nanas but then decided to locate it right in
\nfront of the shopping mall.<\/p>\n
"The presence of the pedestrian crossing in Kebon Nanas, which
\nis also the gateway into the municipality from the Jakarta-Merak
\ntoll road and Bogor, is needed to cope with traffic congestion
\nthere," he said.<\/p>\n
He said building of the crossing right in front of the mall
\nwas evidence that business interests were more important in the
\neyes of the administration than the needs of the public.<\/p>\n
Responding to the protest, Tangerang Mayor M. Thamrin said: "A
\nlandowner in Kebon Nanas where the bridge was to have been built
\nwas not willing to sell out. Besides, Kebon Nanas has turned into
\nan illegal bus and minivan terminal," he told the media after
\nmeeting with People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais,
\nwho was on a visit to Tangerang.--JP<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/activists-protest-bridge-relocation-1447893297",
"image": ""
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