Kenari Mas market site to become a mall

JAKARTA: Kenari Mas market on Jl. Salemba, Central Jakarta, will become a mall.

The market, which was popularly known as a center for electrical and technical appliances, will be rebuilt as a mall after it was razed by fire on July 12, 1996 that was caused by a short circuit.

"The construction of the four-story mall will be completed within two years," said Wisnu Hardono, director of developer PT Caturmas Karsaudara, in a ceremony to mark the beginning of the construction.

Shops in the new Kenari Mas mall will sell technical, electrical and home appliances. There will also be restaurants.

Each shop will be offered at Rp 1.3 billion (US$135,000).

However, Wisnu did not reveal the number of shops to be sold.

During the construction period, all trading activities will be moved to makeshift kiosks nearby.

Deputy governor for development affairs Budihardjo Soekmadi, said the construction of the mall was expected to prompt investment and generate revenue, which will help provide new job vacancies. -- JP