Business in residential areas

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