Private companies to build children's parks

JAKARTA. Nineteen privately owned companies planned to build dozens of child-friendly public spaces (RPTRA) across the capital as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programs, Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama said on Tuesday.

He said the companies included property firms Agung Sedayu Group, Summarecon, Ciputra, Intiland, pharmaceutical firm Bintang Toedjoe and food giants Nestle and Indofood.

"They will build 57 children's parks across Jakarta and all will be completed before January," Ahok told reporters at the City Hall.

He added that some of the companies would also distribute their products through the city-developed family welfare movement (PKK) Mart managed by local women.

"Local grocery stores can purchase the products from PKK Mart so then they can sell them at cheaper prices than minimarts," the governor said.

The companies will be responsible for the maintenance of the parks for the first six months when the Jakarta's Parks and Cemeteries Agency will take charge.

Ahok said the city planned to build 150 children's parks next year as listed in the 2016 city budget with one park costing around Rp 700 million.

"We’re preparing to build 150 children's parks, but if there are donations for another 50 parks [from private companies] and there is space for them then we will build 200 children's parks next year," he said. (Edna Tarigan)