Relocation site needed for Kemang businesses

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave wants the city administration to provide new sites for Kemang businesses which have been forcibly closed.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a new telecommunications center for Greater Jakarta in Sentul, Bogor, on Thursday, Joop said that owners of the establishments and their workers needed law certainty.

"Those found violating the spatial plans deserve punishment. And I believe that the city administration prepared everything before sealing off the businesses in Kemang," he said.

The city administration has closed and sealed at least 20 shops, cafes and restaurants in Kemang which lack business permits.

The operation started after Governor Surjadi Soedirdja issued a decree dated March 18, ordering that building permits in Kemang be put in order. The policy is aimed at restoring Kemang to a residential area.

The governor admitted that irresponsible officials had led to the abuse of housing permits in the area.

South Jakarta mayoralty officials closed another seven businesses Thursday, including Bank Bira, Bank Central Asia and four restaurants and cafes.

As usual, South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko led the operation.

The owners of the businesses protested the sealing off, saying they had not been informed about the operation.

Pardjoko said that those who were against the mayoralty's policy could seek legal help. "That would be better for both the mayoralty and the businesspeople."

The three-hour operation, involving around 200 officials and military and police officers, finished at 6 p.m.

The Talent beauty parlor, which was sealed off by officials Tuesday, was still open for business on Thursday. Herman, the owner, said, "Business is normal. I feel I have not violated regulations or made any mistakes."

He said no mayoralty officials had warned him against reopening for business.

The beauty parlor was one of eight establishments sealed off Tuesday. The closures received strong protest from the owners of the establishments. (sur/icn/11)