Summarecon's indifference

I live in Bukit Gading Villa, which is an "elite" area of Kelapa Gading. We moved to this expensive area to live in the quiet, peaceful and security-controlled comfort that this area supposedly provides, because where we lived previously there was no control, poor security and Summarecon did not take care to control construction activities or the construction crews that were building next door.

Unfortunately, despite the sizable investment in resettling, we now once again find ourselves in the same rotten situation. Summarecon, in conjunction with the mayor, is building a clinic in the BGV residential area. Construction activities and the associated noise and disturbance of the peace start before six in the morning and continue until eight or even nine o'clock at night. Work continues unabated on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

I have written a letter of complaint to the Pak RW (neighborhood chief), I have met with him personally on two occasions to discuss the situation, and he has assured me that he has personally met with the directors of Summarecon and the mayor, and despite the fact that there is a written agreement (work should start at eight and end at five, no work on Sunday afternoons or public holidays) and many empty promises, there has been no compliance from the construction crew or its supervisors.

This total lack of concern regarding the "rights of residents" and the absolutely unacceptable level of disturbance that has shattered the peace and quiet in our residential area is indicative of the poor attitude of Summarecon toward the community within which it works. Furthermore, the inability of the mayor and the appointed security personnel to properly control the activities in compliance with the existing agreement is indicative of the lawlessness and disregard of the law that exists throughout the greater Jakarta area (the traffic chaos is one other example).

Conditions like these, where following the right path does not work, create a climate where people tend to eventually take the law into their own hands (as has happened elsewhere in Jakarta). I would not be at all surprised if the community reacts in protest! Summarecon and the mayor should be ashamed of their behavior and lack of concern for the community.

VAN DER WESTHUIZEN P.J., Jakarta