Sutiyoso launches Rp 63.4b project

Sutiyoso launches Rp 63.4b project

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso launched on Thursday a Rp 63.4
billion (US$7.46 million) integrated project to reduce poverty
and develop slum areas in the city's 15 subdistricts.

"This is a new approach in alleviating poverty and developing
the city's slum areas, as all related city agencies are focusing
their projects on a specific area," Sutiyoso said at the
project's launching ceremony in Manggarai, South Jakarta.

"Previously, each agency ran projects in separate areas, which
made it difficult to get the whole picture of the development
programs in those areas," he added.

The governor said each subdistrict would benefit from the
projects, which will include improving housing and public
toilets, as well as supporting economic activities.

Galur, Karang Anyar, and Petojo subdistricts, in Central
Jakarta received more than Rp 10.7 billion; Tanjung Priok,
Papanggo and Cilincing subdistricts in North Jakarta received
more than Rp 17.6 billion; and Kapuk, Kamal and Tegal Alur
subdistricts in West Jakarta received more than Rp 15.1 billion.

Meanwhile, Manggarai, Pasar Manggis and North Kebayoran Lama
subdistricts in South Jakarta received more than Rp 9.8 billion
and Kampung Melayu, Rawa Bunga and North Cipinang Besar
subdistricts in East Jakarta received more than Rp 9.3 billion.

The funds were allocated according to the differing needs of
the subdistricts.

Earlier this year, the city administration launched the
scheme's pilot project in Kalibaru subdistrict, North Jakarta, at
a cost of Rp 1.4 billion.

"The integrated scheme allows for the involvement of local
nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to develop the residents'
sense of belonging of the projects," the governor said.

South Jakarta Mayor Abdul Mufti said there were three NGOs for
each subdistrict.

"We have adopted a community-based development approach to
overcome the problems by allowing the community to come up with
their own projects.

"We are giving them the freedom to actively participate in the
projects, from the planning to the control stages," he told the
governor in a prepared speech.

The governor then inspected the neighborhood while chatting
with residents.

"I hope the people here will stop quarreling with each other;
otherwise all development programs will be useless," he said.

"Besides, I won't visit this place anymore," he said, before
asking whether any of his predecessors had visited the
neighborhood.

Those present said that he was the first governor to visit
their kampong. Before Sutiyoso left, he had his picture taken
with them. (nvn)