Operator, traders still split over Tanah Abang

Bambang Nurbianto, Jakarta

City market operator PD Pasar Jaya tried to reach a compromise with traders of Tanah Abang textile market, Central Jakarta, by delaying the renovation of the market's four blocks until early next year, but was turned down.

Pasar Jaya president director Prabowo Soenirman guaranteed blocks B, C, D and E would not be torn down, so traders could still do business during the high season prior to Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year.

Idul Fitri falls on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 this year.

"We have yet to set a final date for the demolition of the market. It may possibly be in January or February 2005," he told the press on Monday at City Hall.

The administration has also proposed three sites for a temporary market during renovations: over the Krukut River, near Kebonjati Market or near Block A. The two-story temporary market will have air-conditioners and elevators.

Prabowo added that developer PT Sari Kebon Jeruk Permai, which was appointed to carry out the construction project, had demanded that work start in November.

Many traders objected to the plan, saying they did not believe the study conducted by the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). The study concluded that the buildings, built almost 30 years ago, would only last two more years in their current condition.

"We hope to be able to trade here for the next five years, or at least until the Block A renovation finishes," said Yayat, who sells garments on the second floor of Block E.

Block A is being renovated, as it was razed by a fire on Feb. 19, 2003, along with several other blocks. The new 16-story building is expected to be complete in two years.

Rusli, another trader, said the administration should consider the fate of traders and others working in the market before starting construction

The four blocks are currently home to about 5,000 kiosk owners, who all closed their shops last Wednesday to join a mass protest against the reconstruction.

Representatives of the traders are to meet with Prabowo, as well as Governor Sutiyoso on Tuesday to discuss the issue.

However, Sutiyoso has already rejected the traders' demand that the administration delay the market's renovation.

"The demolition is our business, not the traders'. The most important thing is that the traders' interests can be accommodated," he said.

Sutiyoso has asked Pasar Jaya to build a model of temporary kiosks for relocated traders before construction starts.