Sutiyoso sees bright lights for Monas in lates scheme

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

One of the capital's landmarks, it seems as though the National Monument (Monas) Park will not be spared from the city administration's plans to decorate it.

After the controversial fence construction around the park in 2002 and the introduction of deer last year, the park will be beautified by spectacular lighting to celebrate the anniversary of Jakarta, which falls on June 22.

The project will be funded by publicly listed food company Indofood Sukses Makmur in return for being allowed to erect outdoor advertising displays.

"We hope the lighting will enliven the Jakarta anniversary celebrations this year," said Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday, hinting that installation of the lighting would be completed ahead of the celebrations.

"I have told the City Parks Agency to ensure that the donor obtains ads spots commensurate in value to the project funding."

He did not elaborate on the lighting system to be used or the cost of the project.

Commenting on project, councillor Ahmad Heriyawan of the Justice Party faction warned about possible irregularities in the exchange deal.

"We don't want the administration to repeat the same mistakes it committed in the renovation of Hotel Indonesia traffic circle or the construction of the General Sudirman statue," he said.

He stated the funds received from the deal should initially be transferred to the city's coffers.

"The administration could draw on the funds in the next financial year. Moreover, it should make the deal public. That's the rules of the game."

Renovation of the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle water fountain raised public criticism as it cost a hefty Rp 14 billion (US$1.64 million). The project was carried out in a closed tender and was funded through the creation of 10 ad spots.

Critics also blasted the closed tender in the construction of the statue of national hero General Sudirman on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, last year, costing Rp 3.5 billion. According to non-governmental organization Jakarta Development Watch, the construction should not have cost more than Rp 1.9 billion.