An appeal for help

An appeal for help

From Neraca

Apart from engaging in many projects and vocational training,
the Indonesian Association of the Disabled in Bogor, West Java,
is also concerned with monitoring and assessing various results
of development in Indonesia and in the Bogor regency in
particular. Our organization, which focuses on fieldwork and
promoting handicrafts, also deals with general trade and other
services.

But we are particularly concerned by the traffic situation and
would therefore like to share our opinion and offer some
suggestions regarding safeguarding traffic signs and facilities
to benefit road users, particularly pedestrians.

One example is the road that lies between Ciawi, Bogor, and
Pacet Cipanas, Cianjur. Several pedestrian bridges should be
provided at proper intervals, similar to the one built in front
of Hotel USSU at Cisarua and another at Cipanas market.

This would eliminate heavy traffic jams on that section of the
highway. Places which urgently require such bridges are on the
crossroads at Ciawi highway which connects Sukabumi and Cisarua,
at Cisarua market, Taman Safari junction, and near Padang Sakti
restaurant in Cipanas.

We believe Puncak highway must be one of the most congested
highways in West Java. It has so many tourist attractions, villas
etc. that thousands of vehicles pass it at any given moment. The
situation is worsened by the irregular parking that occurs
everyday. By providing safe crossing facilities, there would be
less likelihood of accidents occurring. The transportation of
commodities from Cipanas to Jakarta would also be smooth.

Another issue that concerns our organization and is of no less
importance is our plan to build a multipurpose building which
will serve as a workshop for teaching the handicapped. The funds
have been made available by a sponsor, but we have yet to acquire
land for the building. For that we need a recommendation from the
West Java governor to be addressed to two state-owned plantation
companies -- PT Gunung Mas and PT Ciliwung. With that
recommendation, either one of the companies would be willing to
give away a plot of land that is virtually a wasted area.

We need a plot measuring 1,000 square meters, preferably close
to the tourism office in Bogor and not far from the two
plantation estates.

We are waiting for a positive response from the authorities
concerned.

SYAMSIL M.A.

MARDIYAH H.

Bogor, West Java