Jakarta – A heavily criticized and costly new office building for Indonesian lawmakers will feature a swimming pool, gym and spa facilities, the head architect confirmed on Tuesday.

Budi Sukada, who heads the team overseeing the project, told the Jakarta Globe the facilities were in accordance with Jakarta bylaws.

"There is a bylaw stating that a building occupied by more than 500 people must provide public facilities and social facilities," Budi said.

He said it was wrong to assume the pool or spa would be similar in appearance to those offered by five-star hotels, saying designers were seeking the functionality of facilities provided by hospitals "for health" reasons.

"We know the lawmakers sit in meetings for hours, so they need facilities to get their blood flowing."

Budi, however, quashed suggestions the lawmakers' expansive new 120-square-meeting offices for legislators from the House of Representatives (DPR) would include bedrooms – yet.

"I don't understand where the rumors about bedrooms or spring beds came from. As of yet, no bedrooms or spring bed are in the plans," he said.

Legislators in the House, under fire for being out of touch with voters and rewarding themselves for doing very little, have refused to bow completely to public criticism to cancel the lavish construction but have agreed to lower the budget for the project from Rp 1.8 trillion ($200 million) to Rp 1.3 trillion.

The tender process for the project begins today with construction expected to begin this year.

The House has only passed seven bills into law since being inaugurated last October, all amendments to existing laws, with not a single new bill being passed.