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