Environmental

Environmental
damage in Bekasi

From Warta Kota

Bekasi councillor Hasnul Kholid Pasaribu has pointed out that
Mega Bekasi Hypermarket, Metropolitan Mall, Ramayana Bekasi Plaza
and Hero Plaza occupy water catchments.

The councillor's statement is true and has become common
knowledge. In fact, the buildings along Kali Malang riverbank,
like Metropolitan Mall, Hotel Horison and shopping centers as far
as housing complexes opposite Budi Asih hospital, are located in
areas where construction is prohibited. However, the business
interests of the authorities and ex-officials of Bekasi have
changed the land, reserved as open areas.

When the water catchments of Bekasi have been damaged to such
an extent, are city councillors in a position to correct the
situation? Do they have the courage to oppose money-backed power?
The violation of open areas is also coupled with a breach of
urban space designations, the manipulation of the licensing
system and other such malpractice.

So, as the City Council is aware of the deviations, will it
simply allow them to proceed without hindrance, which will prompt
future generations to charge their predecessors with negligence?

E. SYAUQI H.
Bekasi, West Java.