Sutiyoso delays road widening project

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Sharp criticism from environmentalists, experts and the Office of the State Minister for the Environment has forced Governor Sutiyoso to delay a road widening project on Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta.

"We must wait for advice from a team of experts appointed by the administration before we carry out the project. We can't simply ignore the protests if the project has the potential to bring about adverse consequences," he said on Wednesday.

"The team, chaired by Pak Soetanto Soehodo (of the University of Indonesia), will deliver its first report within the next three months."

City public works agency head Fodly Misbach had announced last week that the agency would widen parts of the city's major thoroughfares early next month. The project would involve the felling of 16 trees and the relocation of 128 street lights.

The Rp 26.7 billion (US$3.2 millions) project, however, was opposed by the city parks agency head, Sarwo Handhayani, who said that the plan should be preceded by public hearings.

Urban activists and urban planning experts have also rejected the plan, saying it was inconsistent with the overall aim of the busway and the extended three-in-one traffic policy.

Sutiyoso said that the funds allocated for the project could be used for other purposes should it be canceled.