UI appointed to study Tanah Abang

UI appointed to study Tanah Abang

JAKARTA: The City Council has appointed a University of
Indonesia team to give a second opinion on a study suggesting
buildings in Tanah Abang market were structurally unsafe.

Council investigation team head Maringan Pangaribuan said the
council would pay for the cost of the study made by UI's
Technology Research Body.

The earlier Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) study cost
about Rp 120 million (US$13,333, institute researcher Dradjat
Hoedajanto said. It concluded the buildings were in danger of
collapsing in an earthquake and recommended strengthening or
demolition.

Maringan said the council's recommendation on the dispute over
the planned demolition of the market would depend on the results
of UI's study.

The city administration plans to demolish four blocks -- B, C,
D, and E as recommended by the ITB experts. The plan is strongly
opposed by about 3,000 traders. -- JP