N. Jakarta to focus on school renovation

JAKARTA: The North Jakarta administration will prioritize the renovation of schools in its 2005 budget.

Mayor Effendi Anas said that the municipality needed at least Rp 10 billion (about US$1 million) to renovate 29 elementary and junior high school buildings.

He said that his administration would also focus on the development of a number of industrial zones, including Sunda Kelapa Port, and the Cakung and Marunda bonded industrial zones, the city's official news portal Beritajakarta.com reported.

Effendi added the municipality would also try to alleviate poverty. Up to 18,000 out of 27,000 poor residents are currently living under elevated highways in the area. -- JP