Haj dormitory construction unclear

TANGERANG: The proposed construction of the Banten haj dormitory in Curug subdistrict remains unclear although it has been approved by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The 12-hectare plot of land for the dormitory is still owned by locals although the Tangerang regency administration claimed earlier that the land was donated by PT Lippo Karawaci.

Curug residents said on Tuesday that they were not aware of the plan.

"Why weren't we informed? The administration should have involved us in the plan," said the village secretary Mat Hassan. He added that Lippo did not yet own the land as it planned to purchase it in 1987, but the plan did not materialize.

PT Lippo Karawaci spokesman M. Faisal claimed the company had given the land to the administration, but the regency spatial and building layout agency head Didin Syamsudin said the regency had yet to receive the land as promised.

"If Lippo fails to meet the deadline in June, we will find an alternative site for the dormitory," said Didin. -- JP