Luxury houses in Bandung

Luxury houses in Bandung

From Kompas

Kompas (March 31, 1995) published a report that the Bandung
local government would not lift the seal on luxury houses in
North Bandung -- a measure that deserves people's applause. This
indicates that the government is consistent in upholding the law
and treats all citizens equally. Developers, who have been found
guilty of violating the government's regulations, should be
processed and brought to court.

But, our pride and joy disappeared after learning of the
explanation given by the head of planning agency, to the effect
that the seals of 26 luxurious houses in Dream Hill Estate, which
are built in a protected area (catchment area), can be lifted if
the developer can meet the prescribed requirements.

The agency head will also help find a way out by making
environmental impact studies and completing the building permits.
I doubt whether this official understands what is meant by
protected area, as written in the second enclosure of the Decree
from the Minister of Environment No KEP-11/MENLH/3/1994.

If the consultant, who will be in charge of conducting the
studies, knows the government regulation and makes proper
analysis, he will come to the conclusion that this area must be
left unspoiled.

I hope the official concerned studies the regulation carefully
and tries to implement it properly. Or the developer can sue the
official for giving misleading suggestions.

ISWANDI ANAS

Bogor, West Java