IMB for shop-houses still in process

JAKARTA (JP): A city official said on Thursday that the building permit for Plaza Kelapa Gading complex in North Jakarta, where hundreds of shop-houses are being constructed, is still being processed.

North Jakarta mayor Soebagio said he had just found out that the city's planning agency had issued the block plan permit this week. Currently, the city development supervision office is still processing the building permit proposal, he said, adding that the process is likely to finish next week.

A councillor revealed on Wednesday that there were irregularities in the project as construction had begun before the developer, PT Wisma Benhill, obtained the building permit (IMB). He called upon the authorities to investigate the case.

Separately, head of the Navy Central Cooperative (Inkopal) Commodore Sonny Sumarsono confirmed on Thursday that the land is owned by the Indonesian Navy, and it has pledged a Building Operate Transfer (BOT) agreement with PT Wisma Benhill for a 25- year term.

He said that they plan to build the so-called Plaza Kelapa Gading complex of shop-houses, a shopping mall and a sports center consisting of a golf driving range, a swimming pool and a series of tennis courts, over a 12.5-hectare piece of land. The project will cost some Rp 90 billion (US$9.5 million). (04)