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Confusion reigns in Bekasi after street name mix-up on Google maps
The Bekasi administration has sent a letter to the Communication and Information Ministry over the change of the name of Jl. Dewi Sartika in East Bekasi, West Java to famed Dangdut singer Dewi Persik as seen on the Google maps app.
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Jl. Dewi Persik as seen on the Google Maps app. Bekasi administrations have filed a protest letter to the Communication and Information Ministry over the change of the roads name. (Tempo.co/File)
T
he Bekasi administration has sent a letter to the Communication and Information Ministry over the change of the name of Jl. Dewi Sartika in East Bekasi, West Java to Jl. Dewi Persik, the name of a famed dangdut singer, as seen on the Google maps app.
“It is an irresponsible action and disadvantageous,” the letter, signed by Bekasi Mayor Rahmat Effendi, stated.
Dewi Sartika is a national heroine while Dewi Persik is a controversial dangdut singer.
Naming a road after a national hero was a tribute to their merit and changing the name arbitrarily constituted improper conduct, Rahmat said.
“We hope it can be resolved immediately through the Communications and Information Ministry,” he said Tuesday, as quoted by tempo.co.
As of Tuesday, the name of Dewi Persik on the maps has been removed but it has yet to be changed back to Dewi Sartika.
The change of the name was first noticed by Bekasi resident Eko Prasetyo who wanted to order an online motorcycle taxi (ojek) to take him to Jl. Dewi Sartika on Sunday. The news went viral after he shared it on social media.
Separately, Dewi Persik said she felt bad that her name had replaced Dewi Sartika's.
“I don’t feel harmed but it is unpleasant for me because Dewi Sartika is a heroine. It is impolite to change it,” Dewi said. (wnd)
