Karimunjawa island to be leased to China

SEMARANG, Central Java: The Central Java provincial administration plans to lease one of its islands to the Yong San municipal government of the People's Republic of China.

The island in question is located in the Karimunjawa Archipelago, about two hours by boat from the Central Java capital of Semarang.

Moechson Burhani, a councillor with the Central Java Legislative Council, said that talks had been conducted by both the governments of Central Java and Yong San over the plan, and they were apparently eager for a follow up.

The talks occurred last week, when the Central Java councillors and government officials, including Central Java governor Mardiyanto, visited Yong San municipality.

"In the meeting, Yong San officials expressed interest in leasing land at least 15 square kilometers in width or about the size of an island," said Moechson on Tuesday.

The Yong San administration needs the island, for the cultivation of some "tropical plants" for their own consumption, said Moechson.

Moechson admitted that the island in question was previously eyed by several parties in Semarang for a casino. "Instead of turning it into a casino, it is better to lease it for a plantation," he said.

Moechson said that the Yong San municipality would visit Central Java province, including the island, in February next year. He expected that the decision to lease the island would be made immediately after the visit. -- JP