Bungalows in Puncak

Bungalows in Puncak

From Merdeka

Bogor has seen very rapid development due to its beautiful scenic surroundings endowed with clean air which is exempt from the pollution of dust and noise. Accordingly, many officials and businesspeople have built villas and bungalows in the area.

The villas and bungalows are entrusted to the care of local families. The presence of these bungalows in the area has brought benefits to the local community because it absorbs a certain amount of the work force and it also brings money through building and land taxes into the coffers of the Bogor regional administration.

Now, at the end of the sixth five-year development plan, we have witnessed the forceful demolition of a great number of these bungalows as if they were illegal shacks in city slums. These buildings are owned by businesspeople and retired officials. The officials have dedicated their life to the country. The businesspeople also have merit by employing workers and by paying taxes.

I would propose to the members of the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) to review the ministerial instructions to demolish these buildings due to the absence of building permits. If it is only a matter of a building permit, it can be discussed.

Jakarta -- with its high-rise buildings and flyovers, in which development has neglected the waterways downstream from Bogor -- is prone to floods. However, it seems that the construction of villas and bungalows in Bogor's Puncak area has been established as the culprit.

We, the Indonesian Association for Physically Handicapped Persons (HPCTI), in Bogor, hope that the villas and bungalows in the Puncak area are beneficial for all, especially the local environment. If the forceful demolition goes on until the last building, losses will befall the villa and bungalow owners, the regional administration and the local community.

SYAMSIL MUAMAL AHMAD

HPCTI Chairman II

Cisarua, West Java