Taman Ria goes to House of Reps

JAKARTA: Governor Fauzi Bowo said he would leave the decision on Taman Ria area in South Jakarta to the House of Representatives, which aims to expand its compound to the area.

“If the House decides to expand its complex to the area, we would stop the ongoing mall construction permanently,” he said Thursday as quoted by detik.com.

Before recent protests from legislators, a developer plans to build a mall in the 11.2-hectare land plot, located on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta.

The protests then drew reactions from the administration that stated, despite construction had begun in the area, the developer had not submitted proper documents required for a building permit.

Taman Ria area is part of land allocated for parliamentary purposes in Senayan area under the management of Bung Karno Sports Stadium management board (BP GBK). Aside from the existing parliamentary complex, however, its strategic location has attracted businesses to settle hotels and shopping centers. — JP