Bogor studies idea to form new regency

Bogor studies idea to form new regency

Theresia Sufa, The Jakarta Post, Bogor

Bogor authorities are now studying the possibility of forming a
new regency, an idea floated by the residents of Pakulonan, or
west Bogor.

Regental council speaker Lalu Suryade said the councillors
were now looking into the possibility, planning to appoint a
special committee early next year to hold more studies.

"The special committee will start work in January or February.
The result will be included in our recommendation about the idea
to the regent, who later will submit it to the West Java
provincial authorities for approval," he said.

Lalu asserted that there was no opposition from any quarters,
as west Bogor has enough resources to become an independent
regency.

There are 12 districts in the area with a combined population
of more than 1.3 million.

Four districts, namely Parung, Gunung Sindur, Kemang and Tenjo
have the potential to become industrial and housing areas.

Bogor's major income sources, such as the state gold mines in
Pongkor Hill, popular resort Gunung Salak Endah, orchards in
Jasinga, banana plantations, the bamboo industry in Rumpin,
leather bag home industries in Ciampea and Ciomas districts are
all located in the west part of the regency.

Currently, Bogor regency receives Rp 5.6 billion from the gold
mines in annual income and another Rp 3.2 billion from PT
Unocal's biothermal projects, which are also located in the west.

In a recent seminar held to discuss the idea of forming a new
regency, the chairman of the organizing committee, Yana
Nurheryana, said that at least 135,000 residents had signed
approval for the idea.

"The residents want to be separated from the existing Bogor
regency because they rarely see development in the area although
it has contributed much to fill the regency's coffers. For
example, the residents don't have a hospital here, only roads,"
he said.