Group sees Kota's potential<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Some things can be done overnight, but others require a longer
\nprocess.<\/p>\n
When it comes to revitalizing the old town of Batavia, known
\nas Kota today, the latter might be the case, but transforming
\nsome of its more neglected areas so that they can be used by the
\npublic is a good step in the right direction.<\/p>\n
\"The open space along Kali Besar on Jl. Pancoran and those
\nunder the highway could be turned into more 'positive spaces'
\nthat would give the area a more positive image,\" said Budi Lim,
\nan architect-cum-urban-designer who is also involved in the
\nheritage enthusiast group Jakarta Old Town-Kotaku (JOK).<\/p>\n
Budi explained that focusing on neglected areas was the most
\nfeasible way to fix up the area in the short run.<\/p>\n
\"The transformation of those places could help trigger the
\nrevitalization of the buildings in the area,\" he added.<\/p>\n
He said one idea was to use Kali Besar according to the
\nseason: in the dry season, the bed of the Kali besar river could
\nbe used for activities, while in the wet season, it could be used
\nas a transportation route.<\/p>\n
Kota is an area notorious for its poorly maintained old
\nbuildings, traffic congestion, recurrent flooding, on-street
\nparking problems, ubiquitous street vendors and polluted
\nwaterways.<\/p>\n
Garnering support from officials in the Jakarta
\nadministration, the owners of the old buildings, artists,
\narchitects, businesspeople and heritage buffs have been working
\ntoward one goal: to revitalize the area.<\/p>\n
It has been almost a year since they teamed up and while few
\nchanges are apparent the team has the spirit of success.<\/p>\n
Later this year, several events and festivals will be held in
\nKota in the hope of attracting people who do not usually make it
\nto that side of the city.<\/p>\n
This month alone, the CP foundation's art biennale is being
\nheld at the Museum of Bank Indonesia, and the Batavia festival
\nwill follow.<\/p>\n
Budi said the biggest challenges the group faced were related
\nto traffic and the environment.<\/p>\n
\"We have to admit that some targets we miss, but other times
\nour activities are a success.\"<\/p>\n
Budi said the government needed to encourage investment in a
\nscheme to relocate street vendors.<\/p>\n
\"In Singapore and Malaysia, street vendors can still make a
\nliving in shop-houses,\" he said. It is a matter of law
\nenforcement and of making conditions conducive to income-
\ngeneration for the vendors.<\/p>\n
To transform Kota into a place as vital as it was centuries
\nago is a challenge that requires patience.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/group-sees-kotas-potential-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}