'Convert eastern Senayan to park'

'Convert eastern Senayan to park'

JAKARTA: Although almost impossible to achieve, the city
administration urged the State Secretariat on Wednesday to
convert the eastern parking lot of Bung Karno Sports complex in
Senayan, Central Jakarta, into a park.

"This is an attempt to increase the green area in Senayan. We
could do it if the State Secretariat gave us the authority,"
assistant for development affairs to the city secretary Irsal
Jamal said after a meeting with Governor Sutiyoso and top city
officials.

Irsal said if the eight-hectare parking lot could be turned
into a park, the ratio between buildings and green areas in the
area could be improved.

The 309-hectare Senayan, managed by the State Secretariat,
consists of a 158-hectare (ha) sports zone, 77-ha zone for
government offices and a 74-ha commercial zone.

Several commercial buildings in the area, including Hotel
Mulia Senayan, Plaza Senayan and Senayan Sport and Trade Center,
are believed to have violated the regulations and reduced the
amount of open space in Senayan.--JP