Housing developer builds police station, fights coolies

TANGERANG (JP): Housing developer PT Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) began on Friday the construction of the Serpong Police subprecinct station amid growing concern over the extortion of service fees from residents by local kuli angkut (transport coolies).

The developer's president Budiarsa Sastrawinata however contended that the construction of the police station was not particularly aimed at combating the coolie problem, but to help improve security as a whole.

"Extortion" by local coolies has been a growing problem in the popular housing estate as they often "coerce" residents to employ their services.

Last month the house and car of a resident, named Santo Jaelani, was damaged by a group of coolies after he refused coolies' help in unloading his furniture. The truck transporting the furniture was also damaged.

Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Affan Richwanto admitted that solving the problem, which was rooted in unemployment, was not easy.

He revealed that he planned to discuss with other developers in Tangerang ways to solve the problem which occurs in many housing estates.

"It's a 'problem of the stomach'," Affan said referring to the coolies attempts to seek work.

"We can't simply use a legal approach to solve the problem," Affan added.

The coolies are usually unemployed local youths living on the outskirts of the estate who seek work doing odd jobs for estate residents at a tariff of between Rp 10,000 and Rp 30,000.

The developer's spokesman, Dhony Rahajoe, hopes that with the construction of the two-story police office in the housing complex, police will be more prompt in assisting residents.

Until the construction is completed residents should still report any complaints to the current Serpong Police station located in Cisauk village or Tangerang Police station, which are both quite a distance from the housing complex.

The construction of the police office which stands on a 3,415 square meters plot is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The construction and the land, estimated to be worth some Rp 500 million, is being funded by the developer.

Tangerang Police chief Affan was also confident that the police will improve its service to residents in the area.

"Public service includes handling the coolie problem in the housing complex," Affan told reporters after the ceremony.

He promised to take stern actions against coolies who were found breaking the law.

He revealed that police are currently detaining a coolie who damaged a house in the housing complex last month.

"He is in our detention. You can take his picture if needed," Affan said. (jun)