Giant statue project halted

Giant statue project halted

DILI, East Timor: The construction of a 25-ton statue called
Kristus Raja (Christ the King) in Fatukama Bay has been halted
due to a shortage of funds, Antara reported.

The project, which began in 1994, was expected to be completed
in time for the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of East
Timor's integration into Indonesia on July 7. President Soeharto
is scheduled to inaugurate the giant statue then.

The news agency reported that the provincial administration,
through decree no. 977/303/IV.Keu/II/96, has decided to raise the
necessary funds by deducting a portion of Christian civil
servants' salaries for a year. The decree is effective as of this
month.

Civil servants of the lowest level category of I, whose
average monthly wage is Rp 60,000 (US$26) will have their
salaries cut by Rp 1,000 (43 US cents), while those of the
highest category of IV with salaries around Rp 400,000 will have
their wages cut by Rp 5,000.

Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares has recently stated that in
order to complete the project, which is "the source of pride for
local people, especially for Christians", every regent has to
donate Rp 100 million.

The project has absorbed Rp 1 billion while the total cost is
expected to reach Rp 2 billion. (swe)