Salim's land halts bridge construction

TANGERANG (JP): The construction of a bridge crossing the Cisadane river has stopped due to a problem in the appropriation process of a plot of land belonging to the country's former top tycoon Sudono Salim, alias Liem Sioe Liong, an official said on Sunday.

Tangerang Mayor M. Thamrin said his officials met with Salim's executives in Jakarta to talk about the appropriation of the 5,000 square-meter land but had yet to reach an agreement.

"We met them to discuss the matter at least three times but we still have no clear sign," Thamrin said.

He said his officials would soon meet the businessman's aides to further discuss the problem.

"We are optimistic that it can be settled in our next meeting," the mayor said.

He said the construction of the 110 meter-long and seven-meter-wide bridge worth Rp 4.5 billion (US$660,000) is aimed at reducing traffic congestion along Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jl. Teuku Umar and Jl. Husni Thamrin in the mayoralty.

The building of the bridge's foundations cost Rp 2 billion and started in early 1997. However, the project cannot continue as it would would occupy Salim's land.

"We hope the land owner will let the land be appropriated soon," Thamrin said.

It remains unclear why the project has to continue if there is a land appropriation problem. (jun)