$21-million golf course in dispute

SEMARANG: The Central Java government's plan to build a Rp 49 billion (US$21 million) golf course has met strong opposition in the provincial legislative council.

Councilors have described the project in Jangli in the southern suburb as an extravagance that will benefit neither the government nor the people.

The 18-hole modern golf course with supporting facilities will require 38 hectares from local farmers.

"What's the use of an international golf course in Semarang?" said Mugiyono, a councilor from Golkar, the dominant political grouping. "It won't have any benefits for the masses."

He also contested the government's claim that the course will contribute significantly to the state coffers, saying that the existing courses do not make much of a contribution.

Councilor Harjono from the United Development Party said the Central Java provincial government is focusing its development priorities poorly.

"The money should have been allocated to more urgent needs, such as housing for the poor," he said. (har/pan)