Sentani, Jubi – Dense population in Jayapura district lead to declining green open space in the city.
“As an environment expert in this area, I think that the government is not being aggressive enough to protect the environment. [The] city planning is chaotic and increasing population are making it too crowded and left little space to move,” said Marshall Suebu to Jubi, in Sentani, on Thursday (5/2/2015).
Marshall added that green open space was very crucial in the city so that people can have a public place to relax and have fun.
“So, it is not only developing stores and shopping malls. People also need fresh air and fun places so they don’t feel cage as if there’s no way out,” said Marshall who is also head of Hirosi Natue Lover Club of Papua province.
He said that government could take examples from other cities in Indonesia. “Despite of dense population, but their governments are still developing open green areas for their people. Most times, local government does not give serious thought on this issue. It is from my point of view as an environment expert,” he added.
Commenting on clashes with customary land owners, Amos Ondy, one of elders in Sentani said that indigenous people only wanted clarity on borders and land’s position claimed by the government.
“We, indigenous people, do not want to get in the way of the government, especially in building public facilities. What I need to underline here is that the government need to give explanation on which of those lands are local government’ assets, so, there will be no dispute with land owners during development. And, it should be proven with land release [document],” said Amos Ondy. (Engelberth Wally)
The article has been published at Tabloid Jubi, member of Ekuatorial content syndication.