Human impact of triple-tier system surfaces

JAKARTA (JP): About 3,263 families and 1,278 houses will be affected by construction of the first stage of the triple-tier transit system, an environmental consultant said yesterday.

The first phase involves laying 14 kilometers of track from Dipo in South Jakarta to Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta.

Moira S. Tobing of PT Langkoyang Manohong, an independent consultant who prepared the Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) for the project, said that a thorough and comprehensive study had been conducted since last October.

"We work hard to acquire accurate data about all aspects of the project that may affect the environment. Based on this study, we will minimize the negative impacts and maximize the positive aspects," she said.

Moira denied accusations leveled by some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and social experts that the project has done nothing in regard to the environmental impact analysis.

"We want to be open with the public about this."

The Rp 6.2 trillion triple-tier system will combine 23.65 kilometers of toll roads, 22km of light-rail tracks and existing roads.

PT Citra Moda Margakencana Persada -- a joint-venture company comprising PT Citra Lamtoro Gung Persada, owned by President Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the state- owned railway company (Perumka) and state-owned highway corporation PT Jasa Marga -- is to develop the project.

The system is expected to begin operation in 2001.

The project will affect a total of 38 subdistricts in 13 districts from Bintaro in South Jakarta to Kota in West Jakarta.

Among the subdistricts to be affected are North and South Petojo, Kebon Kelapa, Gambir in Central Jakarta; Krukut, Keagungan, Mangga Besar, Glodok in West Jakarta; Ancol in North Jakarta; West Cilandak, North and South Cipete, Pulo in South Jakarta.

At least 1,768 families living along the tracks are expected to be affected by the implementation of the first phase of the project.

Of the 707 affected houses, 571 have to be demolished and the remaining 136 will be partially affected, such as having their yards acquired for the project.

Along the existing railway track from Dipo to Palmerah, in Central Jakarta, there are also 103 small businesses that will have to move while another 54 will be partially affected but can stay.

Fields and trees

Also to be affected are orchids and fields belonging to Perumka. Residents have used parts of the fields to plant crops.

There are also 3,798 trees which have to be felled, 2,668 of which belong to residents and the rest to the state.

About 1,495 families living in 598 houses along the track connecting Palmerah Station and Tanah Abang will be affected in the first stage of the project. As many as 587 of the houses will have to be demolished.

There are also 688 kiosks along the track which will be affected, 78 of which will have to be relocated.

Among the 18 subdistricts that will be affected in the first phase are Pondok Ranji, Pesanggrahan, Cipulir, Bintaro and Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta; Gelora, Bendungan Hilir, Petamburan, Kebon Melati and Kampung Bali in Central Jakarta and Setiabudi, Guntur in South Jakarta.

Between Palmerah and Tanah Abang there are also 12 gardens and fields which will be acquired. They belong to Perumka and PDAM Jaya, the city-owned drinking water company.

Moira said most of the residents had been told about the project and they have asked for compensation.

The company plans to hold a meeting with the Amdal committee and Environmental Impact Management Agency to discuss the environmental analysis on March 24.

"Our main obstacle is the social impact of the project, namely the land clearance plan and the preparation of the final Amdal report," Moira said.

The Amdal committee consists of many parties, including the Ministry of Transportation, Perumka, Jasa Marga and NGOs such as the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi).

Project manager for the triple-tier project Teddy Kasan Praja told the Post that all residents would be compensated, as set out in Presidential Decree No. 55/1993.

"Even illegal residents will get compensation."

The plan to clear the plots for the project will be managed by an assessment team from each mayoralty affected by the project. Citra Moda will be responsible for the funding, Teddy said.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was postponed last month for the third time as the city turned its attention to the General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly from March 1 to March 11.

"We want to socialize it to the people because it is important that we get the people's support," Teddy said.

"We are optimistic that the project will be an alternative way to solve Jakarta's traffic chaos." (edt)