Dutch to build estate at Kramat Tunggak

CIPAYUNG, West Java (JP): Dutch companies, in cooperation with local firms, are planning to build a housing and office complex on the site of the former Kramat Tunggak red-light district in North Jakarta, Deputy Governor for Social Affairs Djailani said on Thursday.

Djailani, however, said he could not remember the precise name of the investors.

"It will be a private-to-private initiative. The city administration will only act as a facilitator," he said after attending a meeting between city councillors and officials here.

"The administration, however, will have its own share in the project as we own half of the land. We have yet to decide on it. Perhaps the project will be on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) scheme," Djailani added.

The investors, he said, would build a housing complex for female labors working in the nearby Nusantara Bonded Zone (KBN) industrial estate.

"In their proposal, the investors plan to provide space for small industries and commercial businesses for local residents to get their daily income," he added.

The former red-light district, established in 1970, covers an area of some 11 hectares, of which 5.8 hectares are owned by local residents. Governor Sutiyoso officially closed it down on Dec. 8 last year. (nvn)