A Palace-Connected Rich Official

Four years ago, a building built to raise swallow's nests at Tulungagung, East Java, got a new look. Before that, the building appeared to be neglected, and the fence was falling apart. Today, it is stronger, made from well-spaced metalwork. The front yard has three palm trees and a nice lawn. The walls are painted cream, giving the building a modern look.

The present appearance of this literal birdhouse is a far cry from what it looked like when Tempo saw it in 2012. At first glance, it is clear that the building has been given a total makeover. The holes for the birds, which used to be covered with batik cloth, have been reopened. "The renovations were completed early this year," said Sunaryo, a resident who lives near that swallows' nesting house, last week. A woman who guards the building said that the place was owned by Supreme Court Secretary Nurhadi.