Thais set to relocate `embassy row'

Thais set to relocate `embassy row'

JAKARTA (JP): The Royal Thai Embassy will soon join other
foreign missions in relocating its office to "embassy row" on Jl.
H.R. Rasuna Said, more popularly known as Jl. Kuningan.

The embassy yesterday bought a plot, measuring 5,000 square
meters, in the Grand Kuningan Diplomatic and Business Estate.

The transaction was the culmination of three years of
negotiations between the embassy and the estate's developers, PT
Abadi Guna Papan (AGP) and state-owned PT Rajawali Nusantara
Indonesia (RNI).

It also includes the construction of the embassy building.

The Thai embassy is currently located on Jl. Imam Bonjol in
the Menteng district. However, the government has been
encouraging all embassies move to the Kuningan area as Menteng
will soon be strictly zoned as a residential area.

The estates' future diplomatic tenants are expected to number
at least 45. Other embassies which will relocate include the
Republic of Singapore and the People's Republic of China.

"We will start design and construction as soon as we know the
exact procedures required by city government," Ambassador Kasit
Piromya said after the signing yesterday.

The president of RNI Sumargono said the transaction would
guarantee the land would be free of any claims from third parties
in the future.

RNI and AGP would provide infrastructure and supporting
facilities, and the embassy would determine the building's design
and structure, he said.

Sumargono explained that the embassy would have to begin
construction within two years "otherwise the deal will have to be
reviewed".

A marketing staff of Grand Kuningan, Dodit Ardimianto, said
the Thai embassy paid $2,000 a square meter, well below the
current market price of $2,500 a meter, because "they are our
first customers."

General Manager of Grand Kuningan, Pudjojoko, explained that
RNI and AGP obtain an even share of 50 percent from their joint
operations.

RNI deals with legal matters, such as land acquisition, and
AGP -- a subsidiary of the Bimantara Citra Group -- manages the
technology and development aspects of the estate, he said.

The Bimantara Citra Group is owned by President Soeharto's son
Bambang Trihatmodjo.

Grand Kuningan covers a total area of 50 hectares. Some 30
hectares have been allocated for buildings and commercial use and
40 percent for infrastructure and supporting facilities.

Sumargono said that of the 30 hectares, only seven hectares
have been sold. "We expect the rest to be sold within the next
three years," he said. (pwn)