Jakarta to help other cities with development

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)