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.