Idea on Jabotabek needs clear planning: Ginandjar
JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita says the idea to unite Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek) into one province under one governor of ministerial level reflects the complicated development problems in the area.
Ginandjar said if the idea was accepted, the supporting systems and all legal aspects should be thoroughly prepared.
"The idea aired by Pak Emil (Prof. Emil Salim) mirrors his concern about the complex problems in Jabotabek," Ginandjar was quoted by Antara as saying.
Emil Salim, former state minister for both population and environment, said two weeks ago that the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi area needs one governor of a ministerial level to anticipate future challenges.
He said such a move would enable better management to enhance services in the capital city as well as support decentralization, which is needed for future economic autonomy.
"That is a positive idea. However, clear systems must be prepared for that," Ginandjar said.
Presently, governors are elected or proposed by the provincial legislative councils, while ministers are appointed by the President.
He said that comprehensive discussions on development in Jabotabek are needed, citing poverty eradication programs as the main focus to develop an area like Jabotabek.
Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said earlier that such an idea requires comprehensive feasibility studies.
West Java Governor R. Nuriana has said on separate occasions that the idea could create many problems. One of the problems that should be tackled is the formulation of the size and status of the new province.
Ginandjar, who is also chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas), said that his office does not specifically handle the development of Jabotabek. "Bappenas deals with the development of densely-populated areas in connection with master spatial planning," he said.
Ginandjar said he has not looked into the possible economic benefit Jabotabek would gain from becoming a single province.
Efforts to deal and synchronize the development of Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi have been made by the government by setting up a coordination body in early 1980s.
However, according to urban experts, the body has failed in its function as Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi have their own targets and concerns with their respective development programs.
Military
Meanwhile, Bekasi regent Moch. Djamhari said yesterday that Jabotabek would need a greater military command under one commander, a lieutenant general, should they be merged into one province.
Djamhari, an army lieutenant colonel, said this at a meeting with Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso and hundreds of local public figures.
The regent said that a greater military command would need to be headed by an officer of at least lieutenant general in rank if the province was to be headed by a governor with ministerial level authority as suggested by Emil Salim.
Djamhari said that a greater military command would enhance order and security in Jakarta and its surrounding areas.
Bekasi is a regency under the West Java provincial administration, but in military and security matters it is controlled by the Jakarta military command and the Jakarta police headquarters. (sur/kod)