Emil Salim's idea

Emil Salim's idea

From Merdeka

The furor over Prof. Emil Salim's idea to amalgamate the
districts Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi into one region
under one governor has spawned two camps, those for the idea and
those against it.

Among those who disagree with the idea is West Java Governor
R. Nuriana, who obviously has his reasons. I am certain there are
many of the same opinion, especially among the Sundanese. Their
objection to Emil Salim's idea is quite understandable. If
Tangerang, Bogor and Bekasi were to be united with the Jakarta
administration, the act would, sooner or later, have a negative
impact on these regions. To be more specific, the customs of the
Sundanese would be jeopardized, if not obliterated altogether by
customs from the three districts.

Jakarta has experienced a similar negative impact, where the
Betawi community has been driven to the outskirts of the capital.
The saddest part is that the Betawi, a minority group today, have
no more say over their own culture.

In other words, what happened to the Betawi could be
experienced by people from Tangerang, Bogor and Bekasi if the
areas are integrated with Jakarta.

Due to the above mentioned reasons, I appeal to the
dignitaries of West Java to reject the idea of Emil Salim
altogether. The idea is of no use or any benefit to the people of
West Java.

TB SUTISNAWINATA

Tangerang, West Java