Ritonga wants action against greedy officials

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)