Idea on Jabotabek needs clear planning: Ginandjar
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)