Developers exploit green space

Developers exploit green space

JAKARTA (JP): Developers are still converting the city's remaining green areas for their projects, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday.

"Green areas must not be converted to office and shopping space," Surjadi said. "Without strict control these areas will eventually be wiped out."

Ideally, of the city's 65,000 hectares of land, 30 percent, or 19,500 hectares, should be designated for green areas. However, only 10 percent of the city's green areas, or 6,500 hectares, remains.

The governor was addressing a discussion on the city's spatial plans and delivered strong warnings to the city planning agency.

The agency, he stressed, must bear responsibility for the city's future and respect city planning.

"If we are not careful in issuing permits, the future of Jakarta will be chaotic," Surjadi said. (yns/anr)