Humpuss building still in dispute

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso ordered Central Jakarta Mayor Andy Subur Abdullah to clear the Humpuss and Timor buildings as soon as possible after they were sealed off on March 26.

"Tell them (the management) I cannot give them any more time," he said.

The Humpuss and Timor buildings on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur were sealed off on March 26 for violating Presidential Decree No. 25/1995 on the development of the Medan Merdeka area. The decree forbids private companies from building offices in the area, including along Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur.

The area, designed as a buffer zone for Medan Merdeka Square, is where the National Monument (Monas) stands.

The buildings' management was given a one-month period to vacate the buildings after they were sealed off, but management representatives asked for a one-year extension, Andy said.

Astrining Ati, a Humpuss group executive, said the management's executives had gone to the governor to ask for "more time" to settle the matter.

"Since last year, we have been trying to settle matters with the administration," Astrining said. (ylt)