More comfortable walks for pedestrians on Jl. Thamrin

JAKARTA (JP): Twenty buildings along Jl. M.H. Thamrin will be asked to tear down their fences and walls to create a friendlier atmosphere starting the end of this month.

This would be part of efforts to fulfill a plan called the "Thamrin Walk," where sidewalks would be seven to eight meters wide.

Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb. M. Rais said the plan to make streets more comfortable for pedestrians was expected to be completed in October.

"But it all depends on building owners' willingness," Rais said after presenting the plan to building owners at the Sari Pan Pacific Hotel yesterday. The meeting was opened by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja.

Also planned was the "River Walk Gedung Jaya" along the Krukut river, Central Jakarta, which will be complemented by a cafe, and resting and meeting points for pedestrians. In addition, there will be walkways to connect buildings, lots of parks and vendor sidewalks.

In the presentation, it was revealed that the municipality would spend Rp 13.2 billion (US$5.4 million) in the Thamrin area: Rp 6.3 billion for the construction of street medians, sprinklers for parks and decorative lamps, and Rp 6.86 billion for new drainage and ducting utilities.

It was estimated that 20 building owners would spend Rp 8.5 billion (US$3.5 million): Rp 6.8 billion to tear down fences and walls, and pave sidewalks and plant trees, and Rp 1.7 billion to provide bus stops, kiosks, pedestrian lamps, waste bins, benches and direction signs, among other things.

Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi said the 1.65 km-long Jl. M.H. Thamrin has 23 high-rise buildings.

"The plan will reduce traffic jams during rush hours because people working in buildings along Jl. M.H. Thamrin don't have to use their vehicles to go to other buildings," Kahfi said.

Embassies

Rais said embassies along the street were not included in the plan, saying the municipality has to respect diplomatic agreements.

Supervising officials include the head of the city parks agency, Syamsir Alam.

"At night time, most buildings have no activity, while during the day the street is uncomfortable for pedestrians," Syamsir said.

Rais said Jl. M.H. Thamrin started to develop in the 1960s with the construction of the Wisma Nusantara, Hotel Indonesia and Bank Indonesia buildings.

"It's about time Jl. M.H. Thamrin becomes a pioneering area again, this time in eliminating individualism among buildings and making the city a more humane and friendly place," Rais said.

Other plans will include other areas such as Jl. Jend. Sudirman in Central Jakarta and Mangga Dua in North Jakarta.

Rais said several building owners along Jl. M.H. Thamrin have expressed their support of the plan.

He said building owners wanted better security and the city's assistance on technical details.

Patrols or cooperation between neighboring building managements could help ensure security, Rais said.

The creation of an office was planned to compose of related agencies to help building owners with technical details and for gaining permits for necessary changes, he said.

Rais said he had asked building owners to appoint representatives, consultants or legal officials to discuss the plan with city officials. (ste)