Surjadi wants 'greener' officials

Surjadi wants 'greener' officials

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja expressed concern
yesterday over the numerous officials who are easily bribed to
recommend the development of green belt areas into commercial
projects.

Speaking at the opening of the 17th Jakarta Environmental
Communication Forum at the Cempaka Hotel in East Jakarta, Surjadi
said the city had embarked on a wide range of environmental
schemes, including the Blue Sky program, the Clean River program
and the one million tree movement.

However he admitted that many of them were not running as well
as expected.

These initiatives would be useless if the officials act
inconsistently in upholding environmental regulations, he said.

The governor urged city officials to give greater priority to
the improvement of the environment than to the money offered by
businessmen.

Surjadi said that the officials' indifference also hindered
the city's efforts to save the environment.

"Once I asked a subdistrict head why there are illegal
buildings along the river banks. He just said he did nothing to
prevent it because there was no official order from his
superiors," Surjadi said.

The governor also highlighted the fact that he was always
criticized, whatever decision he makes regarding the environment.

"I've often been asked by big contractors to give permits for
them to develop commercial projects. But I turn their proposals
down because they are against the city spatial plans.

"Then they accuse me of obscuring development," he said.

He urged all Jakartans to actively participate in the
environment programs by persuading their families to adopt a
greener lifestyle.

The forum is held annually to monitor the latest developments
in the five mayoralties' environmental activities.

This year, for example, Central Jakarta is focusing on air
cleanliness, North Jakarta on groundwater, South Jakarta on salt
water intrusion, East Jakarta on garbage and West Jakarta on
housing.

The forum is also discussing issues on air pollution caused by
gas emissions from vehicles and industrial plants. (07)