Foreign aid sought to build center

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration said on Wednesday that it would seek aid from Islamic countries to help finance the development of an Islamic center on a former brothel site in Kramat Tunggak, North Jakarta.

City Governor Sutiyoso said that the city administration would bear some of the cost to build the complex. He said Rp 72 billion (US$6.5 million) was needed to build the mosque alone.

"I will contact the ambassadors from Islamic countries, in the hope that they can help with the project," City Governor Sutiyoso said after meeting with the project's architect, Ahmad Noe'man from architectural firm PT Birano.

Sutiyoso said the project would start next year with the laying of the foundation stone of a grand mosque in the complex.

The former brothel site, which has an area of 11 hectares, was officially closed by Sutiyoso on Dec. 8, 1999, following the demands of surrounding communities.

At least 1,600 prostitutes and 200 pimps were displaced after the closure. Some have reportedly resumed operation in the streets around the area. (jun)