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