Ritonga wants action against greedy officials

JAKARTA (JP): The City Council Speaker said yesterday that firm action should be taken against the city's officials who abused their power in the granting of permits to non-residential establishments in Kemang, South Jakarta.

M.H. Ritonga made the comment after a signing ceremony at City Hall, on a three-tiered rail and road project.

"Strong action should be taken against the owners and particularly the capricious city officials who grabbed the opportunity to earn extra," he said.

Governor Surjadi Soedirdja earlier admitted that irresponsible officials had led to the abuse of housing permits in the area.

Businessmen and government officials would have to comply with the mayoralty's tough policy, Ritonga said.

"Disciplinary measures should be taken as soon as possible, or the community will suffer more," Ritonga said. He said basic factors such security, environment, and esthetics should be considered when coordinating an area's development.

"We also blame the community for allowing the growth of non- residential establishments in Kemang," Ritonga said.

He said the community's attitude was too passive and they should have objected to the new establishments in their area which were contrary to city plans.

Last week, 20 non-residential establishments were shut down. On March 18, the governor ordered that Kemang be returned to being a residential area. (10)