'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