Sutiyoso says market protest in valin

Sutiyoso says market protest in valin

Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Governor Sutiyoso told Tanah Abang market traders that although
the demolition of the market was certain, they could negotiate
with developer PT Sari Kebon Jeruk Permai -- through city market
operator PD Pasar Jaya -- over the price of kiosks in the new
market.

"It's most important that traders and the city administration
reach an agreement on the reconstruction. As for the price of a
kiosk, it's negotiable -- and PD Pasar Jaya will talk to the
developer on that issue," he said at City Hall on Wednesday.

Traders have opposed the administration's plan to reconstruct
the market's Block B, C, D and E buildings. They said the
demolition would essentially cause their eviction from the
market, since they could not afford the new kiosks.

One of the traders, Lukman, said kiosks had been offered for
between Rp 20 million (US$2,174) and Rp 200 million per square
meter, depending on their location. Kiosks on lower floors are
usually more expensive.

Lukman bought his four-square-meter ground-floor kiosk in
2000, for Rp 150 million.

Traders closed their kiosks last Thursday, to join in a
massive demonstration opposing the reconstruction plan.

The administration issued a policy to demolish the four blocks
at Tanah Abang, following a recommendation from the City
Construction Supervision and Regulation Agency (PPB). The
recommendation was based on research conducted by the Bandung
Institute of Technology (ITB), which said that the four blocks --
built around 30 years ago -- would only last two more years in
their current condition.

Traders met with PD Pasar Jaya on Wednesday, but both parties
refused to budge from their stance.

Sutiyoso said traders had no right to oppose the
reconstruction plan.

"They do not own the kiosks. They are just tenants. The market
is owned by the administration. If the buildings collapse, the
city will be responsible," he said.