Residents to file lawsuit against project

Kelapa Gading residents are planning to file a lawsuit early next month against the construction of Kelapa Gading Sports Mall.

"Our team of lawyers is drafting the lawsuit," chief of neighborhood unit RW06 in West Kelapa Gading Harry A. Roboth said on Wednesday.

Harry said the lawsuit was lodged as the developer had violated the law by commencing construction before the issuance of an environmental impact analysis (Amdal).

Residents have protested continuously for months over the proposed construction activities in the area as the developer has failed to produce the required documents, including the analysis.

The planned stadium, which will include an international- standard basketball arena and a mall with 264 shopping units, will be constructed on a plot of land at Jl. Janur Elok Raya.

The land is surrounded by nearly 600 houses while the access to the site is a narrow street, Jl. Kelapa Nias Raya, only six meters wide and constructed in paving blocks, instead of asphalt.

The head of project developer PT Satria Mahaka, Erick Tohir, said he was ready to deal with legal action from the residents.

"I have appointed my lawyer and we have a strong case," he claimed.

The project, estimated to cost Rp 70 billion (US$8 million), will be constructed on a build-transfer-operate basis. The administration will regain both the land and building after 25 years of operation.

While the administration is supporting the project, governor Sutiyoso is also chairman of the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi). -- JP