Local firms given until August to alter names
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)