Fight against illegal villas slow

BOGOR (JP): Bogor Regency spokesman Jenner Simanjuntak expressed concern yesterday over the slow progress in the regency's fight against illegal villas in the Puncak hill resort.

He said that the program to make Puncak a green area was not running as well as expected mainly because of the arrogance of the villas' owners.

"Their arrogance shows that they have money and power. They feel as if they are untouchable by the law," he said, adding that demolition in one area was usually followed by the construction of new illegal buildings elsewhere.

Jenner explained that under the regency's program, 120 villas had been torn down over the last three years, but data showed there were still 200 other luxury buildings standing without their owners having the necessary permits.

"Those luxury properties are mostly owned by high-ranking officials or wealthy businessmen," he said. (24)