Governor defends demolition

Governor defends demolition

JAKARTA (JP): Defending his subordinates, Governor Surjadi
Soedirdja said Saturday that the demolition of shanties along
riverbanks is meant to improve the environment.

"Don't see the demolitions as inhumane actions against the
people," he said.

He said the demolitions are part of the city's clean river
program, which is an effort to protect the environment.

Surjadi said that the administration and residents should work
together in preserving the environment.

Residents should gradually increase their awareness of the
environment, he said.

"Please, don't dump garbage into waterways and don't build
houses on riverbanks," Surjadi said during his weekly tour of
Halim Perdanakusumah and Kebon Kepala subdistricts in East
Jakarta.

The governor urged officials to promote the clean river
program more widely. This would reduce misunderstandings among
residents, he said. (yns)