'Jakarta can learn lots from China'<\/p>\n
There are at least two renovation projects on heritage sites
\nunderway in the capital; one is at Hotel Indonesia in Central
\nJakarta and the other is the Luar Batang Mosque in Pasar Ikan,
\nNorth Jakarta. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their
\nopinion of whether the sites should be renovated or demolished to
\nmake way for new buildings.<\/p>\n
Adri Ismanto, 34, is an employee at a distributing company in
\nTangerang. He lives in Serpong, Tangerang:<\/p>\n
It goes without saying that economic growth often neglects or
\nbrushes aside older sections of the city, often replacing some
\ninteresting historical buildings with brand new buildings,
\nfactories, business centers or shopping malls.<\/p>\n
I don't know of many proper historical or heritage sites still
\nleft in Greater Jakarta. But as one of the oldest cities in the
\ncountry which was a center of administration during the Dutch
\ncolonial era, there really ought to be lots of interesting stuff
\nleft.<\/p>\n
I think we have to protect those sites, they are the reminder
\nof our history. They also give a more humane atmosphere to the
\nbusy metropolis.<\/p>\n
With a well-integrated policy, the city administration really
\nshould be able to turn Jakarta into a unique tourist destination
\nand increase city revenues, although that might mean less
\nbusiness districts, so I guess it's a choice they need to make.<\/p>\n
Desy Irma, 29, is a graphic designer. She lives with her
\nfather in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
A city is supposed to maintain its original structure, or at
\nleast, its landmarks and should not construct more skyscrapers,
\nwhich only further eliminates the unique character of the city.<\/p>\n
As far as I know, Jakarta, in its early years during the
\nDutch-administered era, areas were neatly divided in several
\nsections of the city according to the function of each site.
\nThere was a site specifically designed for the growing business
\ndistrict, others for housing, government offices as well as areas
\nfor museums and cultural\/historical landmarks.<\/p>\n
But now, the current administration has completely ignored
\nthis, and just haphazardly demolish historical sites strictly for
\nbusiness interests here, there and everywhere.<\/p>\n
In Beijing, the source of civilization, the people there as
\nwell as the government are persistent in maintaining the
\nbuildings and any reminders of the old days integrated with the
\ndeveloping modern parts of the city. I think Jakarta could learn
\na lot from the Chinese.<\/p>\n
--The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jakarta-can-learn-lots-from-china-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }