Relocation site needed for Kemang businesses

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)