Projects to absorb the unemployed

TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang mayoralty will soon embark on a number of projects worth about Rp 1.6 billion (US$106,600) to help provide employment for the rising number of jobless people.

Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud said about Rp 500 million of the total Rp 1.6 billion fund would be used to build nine traditional markets in various districts, including Ciledug, Jatake, Cipondoh and Batuceper.

Another Rp 160 million of the fund would be used to finance cultivation programs on neglected land on Ciledug, Cipondoh and Panunggangan districts.

In Ciledug the program, which will be conducted jointly with military officers, will use a 9-hectare plot of land owned by business tycoon Sudono Salim, Djakaria said.

"But we will check the condition of the land first."

Two poultry projects would also be developed at Tajur in Ciledug and Pasir Jaya in Jatiuwung at a combined commitment of Rp 143 million, he said.

He said that the remaining Rp 797 million would be used to build irrigation facilities in Benda and Batuceper districts and a new road network in Jatake and Panunggangan districts.

He also explained the funds were provided by the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) for the 1998/1999 fiscal year. (41/ivy)