No to demolition: Tanah Bang traders

No to demolition: Tanah Bang traders

JAKARTA: Governor Sutiyoso has won all the support he needs to
demolish four blocks of the Tanah Abang textile market in Central
Jakarta, but vendors said on Wednesday they would continue to
oppose any efforts to tear down the buildings.

The chairman of the association for Tanah Abang traders from
blocks B, C, D and E, Sofyan Mashud, said the vendors would
pursue a lawsuit they filed earlier with the West Jakarta
District Court against the administration and its partner in the
project, PT Sari Kebon Jeruk Permai.

"We are optimistic we will win the case. Otherwise, we will
proceed with an appeal," Sofyan said following a hearing at the
West Jakarta District Court.

The trial, presided over by judge Frans Leimena, was adjourned
for a week. The next hearing is scheduled for March 30.

Sofyan also questioned Governor Sutiyoso's promise that
vendors affected by the demolition would receive spaces in the
new market buildings.

"Can we trust him to honor his promise? So far he has only
made statements, but none of his statements have become reality,"
he said. --JP