Tangerang expands with 17 new sub-districts

JAKARTA (JP): Tangerang Mayor H. Djakaria has installed heads of 17 new sub-districts as part of the mayoralty's efforts to anticipate the sharp growth of population.

"The installation is designed to help the city administration improve services to the public," Djakaria said at the ceremony over the weekend.

He said establishment of the new area centers raises the number of Tangerang sub-districts to 79, scattered in six districts -- Ciledug, Cipondoh, Tangerang, Batuceper, Jatiuwung and Benda.

Ten of the 17 new sub-districts are located in the Ciledug district, six in Batuceper and one in Jatiuwung, Djakaria told the daily Kompas.

The ten sub-districts in Ciledug are Sudimara Jaya, Sudimara Selatan, Karang Timur, Cipadu Jaya, Larangan Indah, Kreo Selatan, Peninggilan Utara, Gaga, Parung Jaya and Padurenan.

The six in Jatiuwung are Kedaung Baru, Kebon Besar, Karanganyar, Mekarsari, Batusari and Poris Jaya, and the one in Jatiuwung is Cibodas Baru.

All facilities to be used by the new sub-districts are currently being prepared, he said, urging people living in areas covered by the new sub-districts to process any documents they need with the newly-inducted officers.

He also explained the new sub-district heads were chosen according to proposals made by district chiefs.

He denied reports saying the selection of the new officers was conducted by requiring candidates to submit a certain amount of money, as it increasingly becomes part of the mayoralty's objects in collecting funds.

"None of my subordinates receive such bribes," he said and promised to take stern action against any of his staff who are found to be manipulating their position to extort money from candidates for the positions of sub-district head. (hhr)