PRESIDENT CALLS FOR STANDARD RULES ON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

Padang, W Sumatra, Oct 2 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono suggested that a feasibility standard rule for building construction should be formulated and applied in the construction of storeyed-buildings in earthquake- and other disaster-prone regions.

The president made the suggestion at Pariaman city hall during his inspection of the disaster's impact in West Sumatra on Friday where he also gave directives to local officials on the steps that should be taken.

In his directives the head of state explained the results of his observation of the quake's impact where many collapsed buildings were storeyed ones.

"A tight regulation must be introduced, whether a government regulation or a regional government regulation, or bylaw. We have here now the minister/state secretary and the cabinet secretary. They should together with the minister of public works and the minister of housing issue a certification rule on the requirements for storeyed buildings in quake prone ares," President Yudhoyono said.

According to the president, many storeyed public buildings such as shopping centers, schools and government buildings are always full of people.

"One can imagine if such a building is not strong, does not pass a test and is not strong against an earthquake. Therefore, a building must have an accountable certification," he said.

He said the rule on the feasibility of a storeyed building would be issued and should be effective throughout Indonesia, particularly in quake-prone areas.

The president in his directives also said that a bylaw that required companies to release and utilize their heavy-duty equipment as soon as there was a disaster was also needed.

"As soon as a disaster takes place the companies should immediately send their equipment. There is no need to call them repeatedly, but they should soon send their heavy-duty equipment, and any cost they spent can be calculated later," he said.

Actually, he said, the companies concerned, if they had social responsibility, should not claim the cost.

"The bylaw should be issued and should be binding," the president said.*