Road Closure Controversy: Public Outcry and Political Tensions
A Hasty Decision Amidst Political Heat
The Indonesian House of Representatives’ Commission VII has spotlighted the public protest over the closure of Jalan Raya Puspiptek by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). The commission criticizes BRIN’s decision as premature, causing unnecessary commotion in an already heated national political climate.
Mulyanto, a member of the commission, expressed that BRIN should have conducted extensive socialization with the community and explained the reasons for the road closure, along with preparing a new alternative route in coordination with local authorities.
He emphasized that the closure was rushed and met with significant public opposition. The road serves as a crucial link between South Tangerang City and Bogor Regency, and its closure could disrupt daily life and commerce.
BRIN’s rationale for the closure is to secure the area surrounding the GA Siwabessy nuclear reactor and other strategic research facilities. However, Mulyanto insists that the agency must coordinate with the provincial government to clarify that it’s a re-routing, not a closure, of the provincial road.
The situation remains tense as stakeholders await BRIN’s next move in this delicate matter.