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