Ridwan Max Sijabat, Jakarta – The House of Representatives approved Tuesday the bill on spatial planning, which is aimed at arresting the decline of green space in the nation's cities.
All 10 factions in the House hailed the bill as a good start at reining in the rapid growth of concrete jungle in Indonesia's urban areas.
The Golkar and Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) House factions said the bill – which requires cities and regions to allocate a minimum 30 percent of their area for open green space and a minimum 20 percent for public space – would allow people living in urban areas to breath more freely.
"All big cities have lacked open space for greenery and public space for residents to entertain themselves," Akil Mochtar of the Golkar faction said.
"The provision of open and green spaces is a must to help minimize air pollution and strike a balance between development and the environment."
The House could revise the new law – which is a revision of a 1992 law on spatial zoning – in the coming years if the regions proved unwilling to allocate land for the spaces.
Yacobus Mayong Padang of the PDI-P faction said the bill was important for preventing regional heads from issuing permits allowing private companies to exploit or occupy public spaces.
"Provinces, regencies and municipalities will have to make their own spatial plans in reference to the national spatial master plan," he said.
"Local administrations will also have to be transparent in how they set areas preserved for the environment and public utilities and those areas for residential and industrial zones and public buildings."
The bill carries a maximum five-year jail sentence or a maximum fine of Rp 500 million (US$54,900) plus the unconditional dismissal of regional heads and officials found to have issued permits for the development of public space.
The bill, which will take effect in April, also invites the public and individuals to file lawsuits against public officials.
Abdullah Azwar Anas, deputy chairman of the special committee that prepared the bill, said the bill also assured public access to master plans.
The bill also calls on regions to enhance cooperation with their neighbors to control disasters such as floods and landslides.
It also threatens a maximum eight-year jail sentence or a maximum fine of Rp 1 billion for any party or individuals held responsible for material losses or fatalities resulting from land use violations.