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