The decision of the Surakarta administration in Central Java to close down the THR Sriwedari amusement park will result in annual tax losses of Rp. 600 million ($45,000), Surakarta Revenue and Asset Management Agency (BPPKAD) head Yosca Herman Sudrajat said on Sunday.

The closure has also resulted in more than 200 workers being laid off.

“Sriwedari park has been the biggest contributor to the city’s revenue in the entertainment sector, not to mention providing additional income from parking and street vendor fees,” Yosca said.

After more than 30 years, the iconic “people’s amusement park” began to be dismantled by the city administration on Tuesday, last week.

The city has terminated its contract with the park’s operator.

Surakarta Mayor FX Hadi Rudyatmo said the city would build a Wayang Orang Sriwedari building and a grand mosque on the former site.

The administration has offered to relocate the park to the Taru Jurug Zoo area. However,THR Sriwedari president director Sinyo Sujarkasi said renting the 2-hectare plot of land cost Rp 600 million per month, which exceeds the park’s average monthly income of Rp 400 million.

“In addition, the area is on the outskirts of Surakarta, which may lead to fewer visitors [compared to the old park located in the center of the city],” he said.

Surakarta City Council member Supriyanto said the administration should have been able to offer a better solution. “The city should retain the park,” said the Democratic Party politician.

Source:
courtesy of THE JAKARTA POST

by Ganug Nugroho Adi

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