Callistasia Anggun Wijaya, Jakarta – The Jakarta administration has questioned the central government's decision to halt some of the reclamation projects off the capital's coast but will comply with the order nevertheless.
Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said he regretted the decision made by the central government on Thursday to halt the construction of the 161-hectare islet G in the Jakarta Bay, developed by PT Muara Wisesa, a subsidiary of property giant Agung Podomoro Land.
The developer has obtained all permits, including one from state-owned electricity company PLN, and completed the environmental analysis.
"We will study the order, especially the legal aspects. We think that the administration and government have a different interpretation of the reclamation's [legal] basis, which is the presidential decree of 1995," Ahok said at City Hall on Friday. However, he promised to comply with any decision the central government made.
Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Rizal Ramli ordered the developer of islet G to completely halt construction on Thursday following a joint research team finding that the project posed environmental risks.
It could also disrupt strategic projects and maritime traffic as the reclamation islets are being built above submarine power cables and between ship lanes.
Meanwhile the central government allowed construction of islets C and D, developed by PT Kapuk Naga Indah, a subsidiary of another property giant Agung Sedayu, to proceed. However, the man-made islets must be reconstructed to comply with the reclamation plan, with a flood control canal separating the two islets. (rin)