'Sport mall' project to go ahead

JAKARTA: The construction of a controversial mall devoted to sports in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta will likely continue after the City Environmental Monitoring Body gave the project a green light amid protests by nearby residents.

Head of the City Environmental Monitoring Body Kosasih Wirahadikusumah said on Thursday that his office had issued a positive recommendation in its environmental impact analysis submitted by consultants of the project.

"There is therefore no problem with the project," Kosasih said.

Residents have protested over the proposed construction of the mall in the area as the land was allocated to developers of a housing complex for general and social purposes. The protesters said the area should not be used as a commercial center.

The planned stadium, which will include an international- standard basketball arena and a mall with 264 shops, will be built on a parcel of land on Jl. Janur Elok Raya by PT. Satria Mahaka.

The area is surrounded by about 600 houses, while the only access to the site is a six-meter-long street, Jl. Kelapa Nias Raya.

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. --JP