Business in residential areas
The Jakarta Municipal Administration (DKI) has focused on businesses operating in the residential area of Kemang over the past few weeks. This elite area has, over the past ten years or so, gradually developed into a business district with shops, cafes, restaurants, offices, and more.
The media informed us that DKI is determined to return the area to its former status, a residential area, in line with the original municipal plan.
A majority of the public is wondering why licenses had been issued in the first place and why the area had been let to grow into what it is today.
Present officials explained that their predecessors made the mistake.
Apart from judging if present authorities are right or wrong, let us evaluate and analyze the recent raids ourselves.
If DKI insists upon changing Kemang back into a residential area, the operations would certainly not stop and would be carried out indiscriminately in other areas as well. Large establishments, like Hero, Kemchick, Hotel Kemang, the rows of shops on the left and right side of Hotel Kemang, and banking institutions belonging to Bank Indonesia, would, of course, be affected by this radical change.
After Kemang, Kebayoran Baru would certainly not be exempt, since many residential areas in that part of the city were developed into business areas. Just look at Panglima Polim, Melawai Raya, Mayestik district (Jl. Tebah) and so on, to mention just a few.
Let us look at it from a different angle. If these operations are enforced, we ought to consider the following consequences:
1. Closure of business brings about losses.
2. There is the possibility of credit return failure.
3. Unemployment, following the anguish and confusion of business circles, among managers and the large force of employees.
These acts might trigger riots and brutal acts and cause a deeper sense of injustice. It would heighten the sense of social disparity in those who lost their source of income.
Those who were directly affected by the recent DKI operations are certainly angered by this act, which could turn into worse developments, such as brutality and violence.
DKI's recent acts are to be regretted because it not only inspired hate, it also appeared as if it was done in haste, without an organized plan.
Why should it happen at this time, right before the election? Have they not given thought or considered the aftershock it could have on forthcoming election committees, which hope to win? Isn't government similar to an election organization, which is expected to be a major supporter of the New Order?
Another question demands a reply. How much have DKI legislators, as a legislative and controlling body, been involved in the supervision of the government's execution in its administration? This gives an impression that it has been authoritarian in nature.
Regulations are necessary and should be implemented, but if they have a negative impact, they should be reviewed.
What would DKI like to achieve through its acts of force by converting Kemang back into a genuine residential area? Is it prestige, a save of face or a show of power?
What we have observed and experienced recently only reflects a need of enhanced coordination between related government institutions. How disheartening!
ALOYSIUS HARYONO
Jakarta