Rp 56b plans for Paradiso islands

JAKARTA (JP): City-owned firm PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol plans to develop an integrated recreation area called the Paradiso islands, with a total investment of Rp 56 billion (US$5.6 million).

The Paradiso islands will consist of four islands: Bidadari, Kayangan, Onrust and Kelor in the Seribu islands.

City Administration Spokesman Muhayat told reporters here on Saturday that the money would mainly be used to restore the environment on the four islands, including the construction of a barrier around the islands to prevent erosion.

Muhayat did not reveal whether the money would be taken from the city budget or be raised in cooperation with private companies.

PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol is reported to be drafting a detailed proposal on the development of the four islands which are about 20 minutes away from Ancol by speedboat.

The recreation and property firm, which already manages Bidadari Island, has secured a permit from the city administration to also develop the three nearby islands, Kelor, Onrust and Kayangan.

The development proposal outlines that the seven-hectare Bidadari Island will be used as an accommodation center, while the 2-hectare Kayangan Island will be used as an amusement center which will include cafes and restaurants.

Water sport facilities will be developed on the 2,000-square meter Kayangan Island, while a recreation center will be built on the 9-hectare Onrust Island.

Muhayat insisted that the islands would be developed as a family recreation center, rejecting suggestions that it may be used as a gambling den.

"It's too risky to develop a gambling business," he insisted.

PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol is 80 percent owned by the city administration and 20 percent owned by joint-venture firm PT Pembangunan Jaya, which currently manages Ancol recreation park, Dunia Fantasi and Sea World.

Besides a family recreation center, the Paradiso islands would also be developed into an historical tourism site as several heritages from the Dutch colonial are found on the islands.

A fort called Mortello is located on Bidadari island while a smaller fort, part of which has already been damaged due to abrasion, is located on Kelor island. (jun)