Residents called on to help rebuild Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso urged city residents on Thursday to use Jakarta's 473rd anniversary as the momentum to rebuild the city after the unrest of past years had left so much destruction.

"The (bad) condition of Jakarta results from a continuous chain of incidents since 1998, which occurred simultaneously with the economic crisis (which hit the country in 1997) and the unstable political situation.

"Such a situation has affected city development programs. (The incidents) have become a black mark against Jakarta which has widely influenced the city's image throughout the world," the governor said while reading his statement to mark the capital's anniversary at the City Council building.

"Rebuilding is needed because as the capital city, Jakarta has a strategic position as the center of national, regional and even international activities," he added.

He said that the impact of the crisis could be seen in the drop in macroeconomic indicators, like the fall of the economic development rate from 5.11 percent in 1997 to minus 17.63 percent in 1998, while inflation jumped to 74.42 percent in 1998 from 11.70 percent a year before.

Investment decreased to Rp 46.58 trillion (US$5.48 billion) in 1998 from Rp 57.47 trillion in 1997.

While the unemployment rate increased to 499,500 in 1998 from 443,000 previously, the number of people living below the poverty line grew from 231,000 in 1996 to 861,000 in 1998.

"The impact of the series of incidents and the poor social economic condition can still be felt," Sutiyoso said.

However, he said, Jakartans should thank God that the economic condition in the city had started to gradually recover since last year.

"It is reflected in the fact that economic growth has increased to minus 2.7 percent, the inflation rate is at 1.77 percent and the realization of the city budget is recorded at Rp 3.29 trillion," he said.

A lack of public enthusiasm for celebrating the anniversary was apparent on Thursday.

Celebrations were held in small pockets of the city, such as in Palmerah district in West Jakarta, where community members joined in a parade of traditional music performances and other kinds of entertainment.

In general, a celebratory atmosphere was not evident, with business and daily activities running as usual during the day.

The hectic Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta was busy as usual. A similar condition was observed at Senen market in Central Jakarta and Jatinegara market in East Jakarta.(ind)