Betamix to relocate unlawful factory

Betamix to relocate unlawful factory

JAKARTA (JP): A spokesman for PT Betamix, a concrete mixing company owned by former deputy governor Bun Yamin Ramto, confirmed the company will follow the city administration's order and relocate.

H.A. Rianom told The Jakarta Post yesterday that his office planned to relocate to Tangerang, West Java, long before City Hall issued its instruction.

Rianom also acknowledged that in June the city administration sent a letter to Betamix, telling it to relocate the mixing plant within two years.

"We are aware that the area is zoned for residential housing, not industry. Pak Bun Yamin bought the land a long time ago and built the factory after he resigned from his post as deputy governor," Rianom said, adding that preparing to relocate takes time.

Bun Yamin was a deputy governor from 1982 to 1987.

The factory, which was erected without proper documents, is located on Jl. Kedoya Raya in West Jakarta.

"The most important thing is that there was no abuse of power in this case. Pak Bun Yamin did not have the factory or the office built when he was in power," Rianom reasoned.

He insisted that Bun Yamin had unofficially informed Governor Surjadi about the factory.

Rianom, Bun Yamin's secretary when he was a deputy governor, said he knew the history of the factory. "It is impossible for a former governor to violate the law," he insisted.

The governor said earlier that Bun Yamin might face prosecution. However, he said the administration will not be too firm in implementing the regulations.

Bun Yamin recently criticized the administration's plan to reclaim land along Jakarta's northern coast.

He argues the project will cause serious flooding in the capital. (sur)