Kemayoran Tower

Kemayoran Tower

From Tiras

Legislator Theo Syafei expressed in an interview printed by Tiras magazine on Nov. 2 his disapproval of the construction of the Kemayoran Tower, which will be built by a number of business tycoons. He said the money would better be used in the people's interest by lending it to the government to speed up the alleviation of poverty in this country.

The legislator, who is deputy chairman of the Armed Forces faction in the House of Representatives, is against the idea of such a prestigious building. I share his opinion that "if Indonesia's poverty line is eliminated, that would be prestigious".

Theo Syafei's view is apparently not totally against the project. However, he questions its timing. There are more urgent matters which need addressing, such as aid to people and the alleviation of poverty which is a big problem in Indonesia.

Having the Kemayoran Tower, although to be among the highest in the world, will not be prestigious for the Indonesian nation if a great many Indonesians still live under the poverty line. The more so if many people still have to earn their living as laborers or domestic help in other countries.

We should not be tempted to vie with our neighbor Malaysia with its Kuala Lumpur Tower. Their progress and capacity justify the building of the tower. Admitting and accepting such reality should not make us feel inferior. On the contrary, it should strengthen our determination to step up efforts to develop our nation.

SUMEDAH MANGKODILAGA

South Jakarta