Polive have no permit for gas station

Multa Fidrus, The Jakarta Post, Tangerang

An official with the Tangerang administration revealed that local police had failed to secure a construction permit (IMB) for building a nearly finished in-house gas station in a green area.

Head of the municipality investment and permit agency, Defyar Eliandi, said the administration had the authority to stop the construction.

It was mandatory for the police to apply for an IMB as required by Bylaw No. 7/2001 on city planning, he said.

"We have not received any application for the permit from the police, which will be the operator of the gas station, as well as other documents, such as the disturbance level permit, the environmental management effort (UPL) and environmental impact analysis (Amdal)," Defyar said over the weekend.

He said that the gas station was being built in the municipality's water catchment area.

Defyar said that though Mayor M. Thamrin had issued a recommendation for the gas station's construction, it could not be considered a permit.

The recommendation, he said, was made following a letter sent by the police chief on Aug. 16, requesting an IMB for the 800- square-meter gas station.

Tangerang police chief Sr. Comr. I Ketut Untung Yoga Ana said they were still preparing all requirements needed for the permit application.

He insisted that although the police had yet to obtain a permit, the construction could not be disrupted because the gas station had to be ready for use by the end of November.

Ketut said it was better for police to have their own gas station rather than pay for the service obtained at particular gas stations appointed by National Police.

"If we can build a gas station for our own benefit, then why not? That way we can reduce operational costs."