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)