Human impact of triple-tier system surfaces

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)