Funds run out for traditional house

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The reconstruction of an ancient royal house in Sikka regency has had to be suspended due to a lack of funds, local figures said here on Saturday.

"There have been attempts from King Mboko's family to repair the house since it collapsed in 1976, but it stopped because they ran out of funds," Sikka community figure Edmundus Parera told Antara.

Lepo Gede, located in Maumere, was built in the 18th century by the King of Sikka, Mboko da Silva.

Edmundus said due to the building's historical value, Sikka residents had decided to takeover the project and would solicit financial support from the local government.

"We have sent proposal to the government and we're waiting for funds," Edmundus said.

The reconstruction job is estimated at Rp 100 million. (emf)