So much for BSD blueprint

I chose to move to Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD), Tangerang, in 2001 because I saw a city that was well planned, full of trees and clean, far different to what I experienced in other places in Jakarta. I often read in newspapers and magazines about the top awards that BSD won for urban planning and thought what a wonderful role model for other developers.

But the reality now is far different. Everything has changed, starting from the building of WTC on which was initially swampland, to the thousands of commercial buildings and Golden Boulevard. In the last two years construction has been continuous and who knows when it will cease!

The result is air and noise pollution and chaos. All this construction is damaging the roads and the environment.

Recently in several newspapers there have been articles written about residents who are protesting and questioning the development of BSD, which has been taken over by Sinar Mas.

As a BSD resident, I sympathize with these residents because the conditions that we were promised by the developers is nothing like the reality we are experiencing!

The parks are no longer a basic facility that was previously part of the plan offered to the residents. In fact, the left over green areas are filled with thousands of promotional banners that are an eyesore! Where on earth is BSD heading! What a huge pity that such a well-planned city can end up this way.

ALA SULISTYONO Jakarta