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.