Megawati to install 'Garuda' pedestal

Megawati to install 'Garuda' pedestal

President Megawati Sukarno putri is scheduled to attend the ceremony to construct a pedestal of the huge statue Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Ungasan Hill, Jimbaran, some 30 kilometers south of Denpasar on June 5.

The 70-meter tall statue was carved and built by sculptor I Nyoman Nuarta and is slated to become the landmark of Bali.

"When the pedestal construction is completed in 2003, the height of the statue will reach 146 meter, taller than the Liberty statue in New York," said Putu Agus Antara.

The huge statue was actually an ambitious project by former minister of tourism, post and telecommunication Joop Ave during his office term in the early l990s. The statue, which cost around US$42 million, is placed on the cultural and business complex in Jimbaran area.

The complex will comprise of cultural center, an amphi- theater, office buildings and villas. --JP