Sutiyoso delays road widening project

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.