Ulemas support 'Kramtung' center

JAKARTA (JP): Ulemas and community leaders voiced their support on Wednesday for the city administration's plan to build an Islamic center at a former brothel complex in Kramat Tunggak, North Jakarta.

Besides expressing their support, some 150 ulemas and community leaders who met with Governor Sutiyoso and city officials at the City Hall also promised to help find funding for the development of the Islamic center.

"We have many members who graduated from universities in Middle Eastern countries. They could help seek funds to finance the development of the center," the secretary of the city chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council, Hamdan Rasyid, said.

Hamdan claimed changing the former brothel complex into an Islamic center was a good idea and in line with Islamic teachings.

He also suggested the city administration not concentrate only on the buildings in the center, but also on the types of activities that should be held in the center.

During the meeting, Sutiyoso said the project, which will include a Rp 74 billion (US$6.6 million) grand mosque, would be financed by the city budget. However, he said the city would seek donations from Islamic countries.

Among those attending the meeting were former vice president Try Soetrisno, who came to the meeting as a community leader. (jun)