ICAC to construct new building in Lebak Bulus

ICAC to construct new building in Lebak Bulus

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta's International Community Activity
Center (ICAC) stepped ahead in its plan to move from its current
rented building into a new building.

It held a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday for the
construction of its new three-story building in Lebak Bulus,
South Jakarta.

ICAC chairperson, Sarah Robson, said the 2000-square-meter
building would contain a youth center, shop, library, dance room,
outside stage, instructional kitchens and classrooms.

Construction was expected to be completed in March 1999 with
the organization leasing it for 20 years, Robson said.

Robson said the project was located at a peaceful and
strategic place at the Bona Vista apartment complex, near the
outer-ring-road and easily accessible from Kemang and Pondok
Indah, the city's international schools, major malls, hospitals
and other expatriate residences.

Bona Vista apartment is owned by Bonauli Group, an investment
and real estate developer.

"We consider the location perfect. It meets our needs," she
said.

Cosmas Batubara, president of Bonauli Group, said he attempted
to create harmony between expatriates and Indonesians so they
could learn how to live with each other comfortably. "Bonauli
will provide the building, which was specifically designed to
meet ICAC needs," Cosmas said.

Robson said the youth center would provide teenagers a
positive place to meet, as the city was still facing a shortage
of recreation facilities for youth.

"We hope the center will give teenagers shelter they need. We
also invite Indonesian youngsters to join, too," she said.

ICAC, which currently has 8,000 members, is still open to
Indonesians. "About 25 percent of our members, including staff,
are Indonesians," said ICAC executive director Mike Reagan.

The 23-year-old club provides a wide variety of programs,
including counseling, classes and workshops for new expatriates
to help them adjust to Jakarta's environment and to help
strengthen cultural ties with the local community.

"The club is very beneficial for newcomers to adjust to the
new culture," said Georgette Haskin, who has been living in the
country for the past 35 years.

For this on-going holiday season, the club is offering more
opportunities to enroll in interesting courses.

The club is currently located at Jl. Kemang Raya No. 32. (10)