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wo analysts have urged the city administration to actively disseminate information about its development planning and policies to improve communication and public participation in development programs.

Suryono Herlambang, a public policy expert from Tarumanegara University in West Jakarta, said at a discussion here recently that giving the public access to information on the city administration'€™s policies and development planning did not guarantee public understanding about them.

'€œPosting details of the city budget at every subdistrict and district office, for example, does not guarantee that the public will read and fully understand it,'€ he said.

He said the city should package the information to make it more interesting and simple so that it was easy for everyone to understand.

He gave as an example the newly endorsed detailed spatial planning (RDTR) bylaw.

Suryono suggested the city break down the bylaw per district and inform residents of plans for each district or subdistrict.

'€œThe city should make a no more than 30-page explanation of the bylaw that is simple and interesting to share with the public,'€ he said, adding that graphics and pictures could be used to make the information easier to understand.

Suryono said it was unlikely that members of the public would read the 500-page bylaw, but it was essential for Jakartans to be knowledgeable about it.

The bylaw, Suryono said, was divided into two sections '€” zoning regulation and the RDTR. The zoning regulation states, for example, which areas may be used for commercial purposes. Meanwhile, the RDTR is a projection of what the city administration aims to achieve over 20 years.

'€œMembers of the public should be reminded not only of their obligation but also to monitor how the governor and deputy governor fulfill their campaign promises,'€ he said, citing as an example the question of what Pluit reservoir would look like in 20 years.

Suryono reminded local officials at all levels in the city administration of the importance of utilizing social media to build better communication with residents and ask for their input on all policies made to make the city more livable.

'€œIf the administration can make an eye-catching website, with Twitter and Facebook accounts, as effective tools of communication, more people would be eager to get involved,'€ he said.

The administration has various channels, ranging from texted messages, website, Twitter, newspapers and directly visiting City Hall for the public to convey their aspirations. However, many residents feel discouraged to give input as they feel that officials turn a deaf ear to any aspirations voiced.