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