New outlet opens despite ban

BANDUNG, West Java: A new factory outlet selling branded clothes at cheap prices opened on Sunday on Jl. Maranatha despite a ban by the local administration that prohibits new factory outlets in Bandung.

The owner of the new factory outlet, Perry Trisyanto, said the Bandung public order agency had issued a license for the establishment of his business on a land belonging to the Army's cooperative (Puskopad).

"The license was originally issued for a residence but then I worked with the Army cooperative to change the license for business," Perry told reporters while opening his fifth store.

A spokesman for the Bandung administration, Yuyus Suhaya, said he was uninformed about the approval for Perry to establish a factory outlet. "I will check with related agencies," he said.

The local administration banned the establishment of new factory outlets in December 2000, following public complaints over traffic congestion resulting from the mushrooming businesses selling branded clothes. (25)