Local firms given until August to alter names

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration reminded companies throughout Jakarta yesterday that time is running out for them to change their names into Indonesian.

Deputy Head of the City Public Order Office Yusuf Shahab said that all companies should have changed the foreign words by Aug. 17, when Indonesia celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence.

Yusuf said that so far the administration has used only a "persuasive approach" with companies reluctant to change their names because the issue is sensitive in some ways.

"Because Jakarta is the capital, every move that the administration takes, such as changing companies' foreign names into Indonesian, is closely watched by the world," he told reporters.

He added that companies in the neighboring Tangerang and Bekasi have been quicker to implement the name change.

Three steps have been taken by the city administration to accomplish the task: organizing a public presentation on the matter in May and June, warning the companies that still haven't changed their names by the end of July, and taking action against those which still ignore the ruling in August.

Currently, he said, the city administration can only urge companies to cover their foreign language billboards with white sheeting so people cannot see them.

"But as of August, the city will not tolerate them anymore and we will not hesitate to tear down the billboards," Yusuf said.

He added that the office has only acted against illegal banners usually hanging between two electrical or telephone poles.

The office, he said, had seized about 1,180 illegal banners from various locations throughout the city between May 22 and June 1.

President Soeharto commenced the national discipline movement on May 20 which includes popularizing the use of the Indonesian language among Indonesians.

The city administration intends to implement the decree mainly on buildings along street between Pasar Ikan in West Jakarta to Jl. Panglima Polim in South Jakarta.

Until now, about 135 companies in the city have agreed to change their names into Indonesian.

"Most of them are entertainment companies such as bars and discotheques and I predict that about 40 percent of all entertainment centers use foreign names," Yusuf said. He refused to mention the total number of entertainment centers in the city.

Yusuf said that among the companies are Limelight bar and discotheque on Jl. Panglima Polim, which will be changed into Cahaya Terang, New Hoseki executive club in Jl. Cikini into Tiara and Space House discotheque and bar in Jl. Sahardjo into Era Pelita Masa.

Yusuf also announced that a mobile unit deployed by the office to publicize the regulation has had very good results.

"The mobile unit has taken action against several companies that have ignored regulations, such as installing posters on the street without permits," Yusuf said.

Between May 22 and July 5 the mobile unit had taken action against 221 companies that have violated public order regulations. (yns)