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)