Jakarta to help other cities with development

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will assist members of the City Coordination Board in its efforts to help speed up the physical development of other cities.

Secretary general of the board A. Munir told reporters at City Hall yesterday that Jakarta has more experience and special skills to help other cities in this field.

"As the center of the government, Jakarta has gained a lot of achievements and experience which can be helpful in assisting other cities to manage many things, such as city property," Munir said.

Governor Surjadi yesterday closed a three-day meeting in which the board was formulating its working program.

Munir reported that the board will concentrate on development of human resources, environment, public services and research.

Munir said that many of the board's members have not yet drawn up their city's planning. "Around 40 percent of members have not yet drawn up their city planning and city administration will assist them in this," he added.

Jakarta as the capital city of Indonesia has many advantages, such as funds, and these can be used to help other cities, he said.

Munir said the board could also act as a mediator between cities and investors because many cities have difficulties in finding investors.

"There are certain cities which specifically ask us to find investors to develop the areas, such as Pakan Baru and Bandung," he said, adding that Bandung intends building a satellite city in its outskirts.

He also pointed out that Jakarta residents are also needed by some provinces. This is proven by the high demand for Jakartans who have special skills in industries in transmigration programs.

Munir said the board, which is headed by governor Surjadi Soedirdja, has a membership of 97 cities from all over Indonesia.

The board was formed by the ministry of home affairs to help cities intensify development in their areas. Munir said the board is financed by its members. "The funds are collected from our members, which amount to Rp 270 million per year and I predict that the board will need more than Rp 2 billion per year," Munir said. (yns)