Over 100 buildings demolished

TANGERANG: The Tangerang municipal administration began demolishing over 100 buildings along Jl. Jend Sudirman on Thursday because -- according to the administration -- their construction was illegal, they disturbed traffic flow and were an eyesore.

Edwan Firamansyah, the municipal Public Order Office chief who led the demolition, said none of the buildings had building permits.

"We have repeatedly warned the owners to demolish their own buildings, but they ignored the warnings so the administration forcibly teared them down," he said.

The demolition crew met no resistance from building owners who were mostly doing business along the sidewalk, such as selling building materials, fuel and food as well as providing tire and vehicle services.

"We could not put up any resistance because there were too many police officers and military personnel guarding the demolition operation," said Spardi, one of the building owners. -- JP