Over 100 buildings demolished

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