Heritage trust races against time<\/p>\n
The Sumatra Heritage Trust (BWS), in cooperation with Netherlands
\nManagement Cooperation (NMCP), is putting together an integrated
\nmethod to preserve the Kesawan and Merdeka Square area in Medan.<\/p>\n
With their paper not yet completed, however, the Medan
\nadministration has already implemented its own agenda on Merdeka
\nSquare and Kesawan.<\/p>\n
Founded in 1998 by a group of concerned young people, BWS has
\nbeen involved in a number of projects. in 2002, BWS fought hard
\nfor the Medan administration to preserve a building that was
\nformerly owned by trading company Lindeteves Stokvis and later PT
\nMega Eltra on Jl. Brigjen Katamso.<\/p>\n
Despite the outcry, the building, built in 1889 but not
\nprotected under the city's byway, was demolished.<\/p>\n
"We have noted that there are only slightly more than 42
\nbuildings under the protection of the city bylaw, which states
\nthat the facade of the protected buildings must not be
\ndemolished," newly appointed BWS executive director Soehardi
\nHartono told The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, he said, BWS proposed to the administration to put
\n150 buildings under the protection of the bylaw.<\/p>\n
"Actually, we think the administration should also revise the
\nbylaw. It should not only protect the facade, but also the entire
\nbuilding," he said.<\/p>\n
BWS has a lot of work to do in convincing the city and
\nbusinesspeople about a different approach to development.<\/p>\n
"We are often mistaken for people who are against development.
\nNo, we aren't. We just believe that the heritage buildings are
\nour wealth, our assets that should be preserved," Soehardi said.<\/p>\n
He said the buildings could provide economic benefits for the
\ncity, and an appropriate business plan that included them would
\nhelp support their maintenance.<\/p>\n
BWS publishes a newsletter and holds discussions to educate
\nthe public, especially young people, who Soehardi believes are
\ndeveloping a greater appreciation of tradition.<\/p>\n
In 2003, it received an Award of Merit in the Asia Pacific
\nHeritage Awards from UNESCO for helping in the rejuvenation of
\nTjong Yong Hian bridge on Jl. Zainul Arifin.<\/p>\n
The bridge, also known as "virtue bridge", was built in 1916
\nto commemorate Chinese Mayor Tjong Yong Hian, who lived from 1855
\nto 1911. In testament to the multiethnic heritage of the city,
\nthe tribute to Tjong is written in old Javanese, Dutch and
\nMandarin.<\/p>\n
The renovation, initiated by BWS, took place in 2001, with
\ndonations from Tjong's descendants and the public.<\/p>\n
"The renovation project really aroused the local pride,"
\nSoehardi said.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/heritage-trust-races-against-time-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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