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.