Fight against illegal villas slow

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)