Jakarta – Construction of what is billed as the world's tallest tower began in the Indonesian capital yesterday.

Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso oversaw the start of work on the Jakarta Tower in the Kemayoran district on the site of the city's former airport.

The tower will stand 558m tall, surpassing the Canadian National Tower in Toronto which is 553m high, Detikcom news portal quoted a press release as saying.

"The tower is going to be the landmark of Jakarta and will be like other famous structures in big countries. This will enhance the image of Jakarta as a metropolitan city," Mr Sutiyoso said.

Work on the tower is expected to end in 2009. Construction was due to start in the late 1990s but the 1997-1998 regional financial crisis forced a postponement.

The project is being financed by local tycoons. The cost was originally projected at US$400 million.