Since the world is now discussing about the so-called Global Economic Crisis, we thought it would be appropriate if we discussed a little bit about abandoned projects in the metropolitan. In this case, we take a look at two abandoned projects in Surabaya. What has these abandoned projects to do with global economics? Well, one of them, Adistana (the reddish tower on the right), has been abandoned since the monetary crisis that had hit Indonesia in the late 90’s. While the other project (Carrefour, right next to Adistana – on the left in the picture) has been abandoned (correct me if I’m wrong) since late 2006.

-Prananda Navitas

Three towers stand tall, cranes still attached to them, unfinished.While directly next to the three towers, a shopping-center-to-be stands. These projects are only two among many abandoned projects in Surabaya; eyesores in the metropolis. They stand as if monuments of economic mis-management, and the powerlessness of our urban authorities against private investors and project developers. What can be done about these unfinished structures?

Urban Authorities

Being the citizens’ representatives, urban authorities should invite project owners to discuss the future of these abandoned buildings, and whether they will re-commence construction/development.

Project owner says “yes”: authorities should define the strictest of deadlines, and apply taxes that multiply each time the project exceeds the agreed deadline. Failure to pay these taxes give urban authorities the right to seize the project and put it on auction.

Project owner says “no”: authorities may charge him with disturbing the public right of vista (will be discussed further in this post), and bring the case to the court of law.

Project has been seized by banks: urban authorities charge the bank with disturbing the public right of vista and apply a (very large) fine. Should the bank refuse to pay, then authorities may bring the bank to the court of law. Failing to pay the fine or show up in court may result in the bank having its permit revoked and its assets seized by urban authorities.

Regulating Large Construction Projects

It is an inevitable fact that cities must have regulations concerning large construction projects. Then it is also a must that cities have regulations concerning city beautification; protecting the citizens’ rights of vista. In its implementation, and to put pressure on investors and developers, multiple taxes should be applied to large projects, and that those taxes multiply even more if the project exceeds the deadline.

A Little Something for Investors and Developers

If a new project is proposed, then it might be a good idea that urban authorities force developers to continue abandoned projects. Should they refuse, developers may be charged with disrupting the public right of vista.

Examples

A new shopping center can occupy the abandoned Carrefour structure. All developers need to do is finish the building; most of the infrastructure has been provided.

A new hotel or apartment may come out of the abandoned Adistana towers. Same as the afore mentioned, all developers need to do is finish the building!

In The End

This message goes out to designers and developers: we should consider finishing an unfinished project as a challenge. We all know that conceiving something totally new is much easier at times rather than to build on what is already there. It’s up to us all to make our cities a pleasant place to live in; thus it’s our responsibility to beautify it.