Villagers may own homes at last

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)