Thursday, June 4, 2009 9:52 AM
The director of PD Pasar Jaya, Uthand H. Sitorus, said Wednesday the revisions of City Bylaw No. 6/1992 on market management and No. 12/1999 on PD Pasar Jaya would give the operator greater opportunity to develop markets in the capital.
"According to the two bylaws, we only have the authority to build and operate markets. We have to ask for the City Council's agreement if we want to build another facility in a market," said Uthand.
"If the City Council approves the revisions, we can build other facilities, such as offices and apartments above the traditional markets. Hopefully, we can submit the revised draft next week," he said.
He said about half of the 151 markets owned by Pasar Jaya had the potential for further development.
Those with potential include Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) market and Blora market in Central Jakarta, Pasar Rumput in South Jakarta, and Jembatan Besi market and Asam Reges, both in West Jakarta.
"We will look at the business opportunity and the neighboring community in establishing the facilities. In Benhil, for instance, we might build an apartment or office building, because it is located in a business area.
"Some markets will be integrated with public facilities. Blora market in Dukuh Atas, for example, will be integrated with the operation of the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) because Dukuh Atas is believed to be along its route," said Uthand, adding the development of the markets might include private companies.
He said Pasar Jaya would not only develop the potential markets, but also try to revive the "dying" ones, such as Cipinang Kebembem market in East Jakarta.
He said it would be possible to build a subsidized apartment block in the market as the occupancy rate in the middle-class area was quite high.
PD Pasar Jaya owns a total of more than 102 hectares around the city. The company recorded a profit of Rp 56 million in 2007, according to Uthand.
Pasar Jaya has sought to turn its traditional markets, which tend to be dirty, wet and unorganized, into cleaner and more modern markets.
But in recent years, conflict has arisen between the operator and vendors over renovation plans for several other markets including Blok M in South Jakarta, Tanah Abang in Central Jakarta and Rawa Bening in East Jakarta.
In many cases, the vendors said the designs of the renovations disadvantaged them and the post-renovation prices for kiosks were too high.
A recent case is the renovation plan for Koja Baru market in North Jakarta.
Vendors at the market asked the operator to postpone renovations for up to five years, to cancel plans for a multistory building and to renegotiate the prices of units set to come into effect once renovations were completed.
The vendors, however, were reportedly divided between those who supported Pasar Jaya's renovation plan and those who opposed it.
Uthand said the renovation plan was based on the vendors' demands.
"They are actually part of the plan. Last year, they urged us to revamp the market because of its poor condition, especially in the rainy season," Uthand said.
"Now, about 93 percent of the vendors have agreed to the plan, including the zoning system, design and the prices of the kiosks. The only argument left is about who occupies the first floor, which is believed more strategic."
Pasar Jaya will convert the market into a two-story building with a lower ground floor and rooftop parking, he said.
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