Off-street parking fees raised by 100 percent

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The organization of private parking operators increased on Monday off-street parking rates at buildings in Jakarta by up to 100 percent, without approval from the city's governor or council.

The Communication Forum for Private Parking Operators (FKPPS) said the increase was in response to the city administration's plan to impose a 20 percent tax on off-street parking operators.

"The policy comes into effect starting on Monday, but it has not been fully implemented because many buildings are not yet ready," said FKPPS spokesperson Indira Abidin.

Of four buildings located along Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin contacted by The Jakarta Post on Monday, only the Mandarin Hotel confirmed that it had implemented the new parking rates.

Under the new policy, off-street parking rates will increase from between Rp 1,000 and Rp 1,500 to Rp 2,000 per hour for cars, and from Rp 500 to Rp 1,000 per hour for motorcycles.

The increases are seen as controversial because they were not approved by the governor or the City Council.

In a statement released on Friday, FKPPS chairman Bernanto Soerojo said the increases were in response to Bylaw No. 6/2002 on the imposition of a 20 percent tax on private off-street parking operators beginning this month.

The increases also will cover recent rises in electricity, telephone, water and building maintenance prices, Bernanto said. --JP