Building owners reject govt's plan to destroy fences

JAKARTA (JP): Owners of high-rise buildings along Jl. M.H. Thamrin are demanding the city review its plan which will tear down fences between buildings to make the street "friendlier".

Sari Pan Pacific Hotel's communication director, Satria Wira, said Saturday that building owners were not against the plan to demolish fences separating buildings.

"We just want adjustments to the plan based on the condition of each building," Satria told The Jakarta Post.

Under the plan, called the Thamrin Walk, the fences between high-rise buildings would be torn down to widen the sidewalks and create a friendlier atmosphere for pedestrians.

The sidewalks will be expanded to between seven and eight meters wide.

The plan is estimated to affect 20 high-rise buildings, excluding embassies, along the 1.65 km-long Jl. M.H. Thamrin.

Satria said owners did not object to the plan.

"But widening the sidewalks will automatically take up some of the buildings' space, including parking lots. That's why we want some adjustments," he said.

Their request, he said, was sent to the municipality earlier this month.

Among the owners who proposed adjustments were Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Bank Jaya, BPPT and Skyline buildings, he said.

"I don't remember the others," Satria said.

He also said the plan to build a cafe in front of Sari Pan Pacific should be changed.

"It's up to us whether to build a cafe, or not. Our hotel has its own image which we intend to keep," Satria said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Ali Wongso H. Sinaga of the Golkar faction said Friday that the plan was very important because it would eliminate the capitalistic atmosphere of the street.

"The plan will make the city friendlier and, therefore, should be supported. The building owners and the administration should discuss the matter," Ali said.

He said the administration would be willing to listen to owners and make necessary changes.

"This is an important plan and the city really wants it to materialize," Ali said.

Last month, Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi said the plan had received a positive response from the building owners.

But he said it was unlikely that the plan, originally to commence in October, would begin as scheduled.

It is estimated that the plan will cost about Rp 13.2 billion (about US$4.98 million): Rp 6.3 billion for street median strips, sprinklers and decorative lamps; and Rp 6.86 billion for new drainage and ducting utilities.

It is estimated that 20 building owners will contribute another Rp 8.5 billion: Rp 6.8 billion to tear down fences and walls, pave sidewalks and plant trees; and Rp 1.7 billion to provide bus stops, kiosks, pedestrian lamps, waste bins, benches and direction signs.

Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais said the plan should make the city a more humane and friendly place.

The city plans to do the same on Jl. Jend. Sudirman in Central Jakarta and Mangga Dua in North Jakarta. (ste)