Don't demolish Puncak kiosks, please

The Bogor Police have ordered the removal of kiosks, stalls and workshops along the road in Puncak, Cisarua/Megamendung district, as well as those in the parking lot of the Atta'Awun Mosque in Cisarua, by no later than April 9. Otherwise, personnel from Bogor regency will pull down the structures themselves.

After inquiring about the matter, the Bogor regency administration explained that the order was based on an instruction from the President. If this is true, the instruction is to be regretted.

While the country is facing natural disasters like those in Aceh and Nias, the demolition order will result in government- caused suffering to local people who make a living from these kiosks and stalls to support their families.

Pulling down the kiosks in Puncak will increase the rates of poverty, unemployment, criminal activity and school dropouts. Farmers and taxpaying companies whose products are sold at these stalls will also be adversely affected.

Therefore, we humbly request that the President cancel the order to demolish kiosks and stalls along the road in Puncak, so as to maintain the peace and the business atmosphere in this tourist zone.

HARDJANTO et al Warga Jaya Cooperative and Association of Puncak Traders Bogor, West Java