The promoters of the stalled Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park in Bali, which will include a giant statute of the god Wisnu, are looking to the government to get the project going again.

Park official I Nyoman Nuarta, who is also sculpting the statue, said about Rp 180 billion (US$19.35 million) would be needed to complete the statue and the park, whose construction started way back in 1989.

"We need more money to get the project going again after being stalled for so long. The statue and the park will be a major tourist attraction once they are completed," said Nyoman after meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Wednesday.

Nyoman said President Yudhoyono promised during the meeting to help the park's promoters complete the project. However, it remains unclear what role the government will actually play.

"President Yudhoyono will look into various ways of getting the project up and running again. We are currently seeking to cooperate with telecommunications firms. We could let them install their transmitters on the statue in return for some money," he said.

The planned park and 70-meter-high statue will be located at Ungasan Hill, Jimbaran, some 30 kilometers south of Denpasar. It is hoped the statute will become an instantly recognizable symbol of Bali. The park, if completed, will comprise a cultural center, a theater, offices and villas.