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Fake trees installed without my permission, Anies says
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A woman passes artificial trees planted along Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta. The plastic decorations drew criticism for blocking pedestrians' way. (Via Warta Kota/-)
Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan claims he did not know about a move to plant fake trees in sidewalks in parts of Central Jakarta.
“I don’t know whose idea it was, but the Central Jakarta Industry and Energy Agency installed the decoration without telling me,” Anies said on Friday as quoted by tempo.co.
Therefore, the installation was conducted without his permit, he said.
He conceded that he did not know where the budget for the trees came from.
Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno also denied knowing about the plastic decorations, saying the agency had not informed him of its plans.
“We encourage the agency to take the initiative [on matters], but they should tell us about their plans first,” Sandiaga said.
He previously revealed that the trees had been purchased by the Central Jakarta Industry and Energy Agency in 2017, emphasizing that, therefore, no funds from the 2018 city budget were used.
The agency usually sets up artificial trees for big events, Sandiaga said.
The trees were installed earlier this week for Idul Fitri, Jakarta’s anniversary on June 22 and the 2018 Asian Games in August. They have since been removed after Jakartans complained they were blocking the sidewalks for pedestrians. (cal)
