Consortium urged to involve city in Manggarai project

JAKARTA (JP): City Council Speaker M.H. Ritonga has called for better communication among the central government, private developers and the Jakarta municipality in development projects in the capital city.

Ritonga said yesterday that according to a regulation the administration is appointed as an agency whose main task is coordinating development projects in the city.

"The municipality must be included in planning projects funded by the central government and private developers, such as the integrated public transportation terminal project in Manggarai, South Jakarta," he told reporters. "Therefore communication among the parties must be made better."

Ritonga referred to the statements made by Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Tb. M. Rais, who said that the administration has not yet approved the project plan submitted by Ciputra, the outgoing president of PT Pembangunan Jaya, a member of the consortium.

Rais said Monday that the consortium set up last year to build the Manggarai terminal has never contacted the administration to discuss either its proposal or the project's master plan.

He also said he was "surprised" to hear that Ciputra had said the project could begin next year.

The developer said that relevant government bodies, including the municipality, have given their approval.

The Manggarai terminal project, Ritonga said, is a huge scheme that will have an impact on the city's economic, social and environmental conditions.

Governor

Meanwhile Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said the terminal should comply with city planning guidelines and that the project must not be detrimental to local residents.

Surjadi did not say if the Tb. Rais' statements were true.

The Manggarai terminal project is considered contrary the administration's policy of moving intercity bus terminals from the city to its outskirts, in line with the 1985-2005 master plan.

The US$285-million scheme could also affect at least 4,000 families living on 54 hectares needed for the project, planned to cover a total of 126 hectares.

Apart from Pembangunan Jaya, the consortium consists of PT Bandar Mardi Perkasa, PT Cahaya Cipta Adicemerlang, PT Citra Agratama Persada, PT Mitraguna Tribakti, PT Sekar Artha Sentosa dan PT Suhamthabie.

Mrs. Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, President Soeharto's eldest daughter, chairs the consortium.

Pembangunan Jaya was set up in 1961 to support the city's development. The municipality owns 40 percent of its shares and, the governor of Jakarta is the chief commissioner of PT Pembangunan Jaya.

When complete the terminal will incorporate a railway station with 22 tracks and four underground express railway tracks, as well as an intercity bus terminal and a city bus terminal.

The project will also include commercial buildings and apartment buildings. (yns)