Villagers may own homes at last

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso promised on Tuesday to allow residents of a small industry village in Pulogadung, East Jakarta, to gain ownership rights to their houses.

"I've consulted with the City Council and we agreed to fulfill your request," the governor told residents who had gathered to welcome him to their village.

Many people burst into tears of joy upon hearing the governor's remarks. Some of them bowed down and others kissed the hands of Sutiyoso and other high-ranking officials accompanying the governor on the visit.

"It (the governor's promise) is a surprise for us. We didn't think the governor would fulfill our request today," Oman Abdurahman, one of the community leaders, said.

The 44-hectare village, which was built in stages from 1981 to 1994, is home to 427 small business operators with 436 houses. Various products are made here, including leather goods, furniture, clothes and shoes.

The houses were sold to the traders in 1986, with monthly installments of between Rp 40,000 and Rp 50,000 per unit for a period of 15 years.

However, Oman said the purchase scheme was later stopped and local residents were allowed only to rent the properties in the area.

Sutiyoso told reporters that the change of ownership status was needed to encourage the development of home industries in the area.

"But I hope they will be patient enough to wait for the city councilors to finish deliberating with a bylaw on the status change," he said. (ind)