The Jakarta administration is set to take down office building fences and relocate 3,000 trees planted along Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman in Central and South Jakarta to pave the way for wider sidewalks along the two city’s main roads.

The sidewalk expansions are scheduled to begin on Oct. 8 in the hope of developing the capital into a pedestrian-friendly city.

“There will be major restoration along the streets. We apologize to the public because we will have to relocate thousands of trees soon,” city secretary Saefullah said at City Hall on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

He added that the planned locations for the relocation include BMW Park in North Jakarta and other sites run and managed by the administration. 

He acknowledged the trees had served a great purpose for the residents, including by providing fresh air. He promised to also find a location near the streets for the relocation.

“There will be no more fences, which used to separate buildings and the streets,” Saefullah said. 

“We will invite communities and owners of buildings located along the main roads to familiarize them with the concept we’re developing,” he said. (fac)