US$150 million for handling of floods

JAKARTA: Japan will lend about US$150 million to the Jakarta city administration for tackling flooding in the city.

"We have agreed to lend the administration about $150 million for improving the West Canal and the Manggarai water gates," Yutaka Limura, Japanese ambassador to Indonesia, said after a meeting at City Hall with Governor Sutiyoso as reported by Detik.com on Monday.

However, the governor appeared to have a different idea about the use of the funds.

"I think building the East Canal is more urgent for now. It's better to leave the West Canal in its present condition for the time being," Sutiyoso said.

Japan has agreed to send a team from Japan in March to examine the canals' condition. The findings will determine whether the loan is to be used for the West Canal or the East Canal, the report said.--JP