Minister puts foot down

Minister puts foot down

BANDUNG, West Java: State Minister for Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja called on the public yesterday not to buy houses built in violation of government regulations.

"It's high time that people take a stand ... and teach delinquent land developers who trample on government regulations," he said.

Sarwono made the comment while addressing a workshop on environmental management, where the mayor of Bandung and other senior local officials were also present.

He apparently was referring to the ongoing controversy over the construction of expensive housing complexes in the scenic areas of northern Bandung, which are designated for water catchment purposes for the city's three million people. (pet)