Surakarta needs Rp 178 billion

SURAKARTA, Central Java: The municipal administration needs Rp 178 billion (US$86 million) to develop the city as the province's "international gate".

Mayor Hartomo said recently that the government would need five years to develop the ancient city into one which has adequate facilities to function as an international transit point.

The development of this town into a "tourist city" is part of the Semarang-Surakarta Urban Development Project, he said as reported by Antara.

Among the facilities to be developed are clean water systems, sanitation, drainage, housing and waste disposal, he said. (pan)