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)