Building designed by Bung Karno

Building designed by Bung Karno

From Pikiran Rakyat

I am disappointed at reports published in the city's newspapers saying that the building on Jl. Gatot Subroto in Bandung, that was designed by Bung Karno, has been demolished. We know that as a civil engineer, Bung Karno (the first President of Indonesia) had not done much in terms civil engineering. But we must appreciate his struggle for the country's independence by preserving the building he has designed.

It seems to me that business has outweighed the importance of cultural heritage. Everything that stands in the way of business must be crushed.

Do we forget that Bung Karno took the initiative to hold the Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung in 1955? It is in this frame of mind, and in remembrance of Bung Karno's works, that we should preserve the buildings which have historical significance.

FACHRIZAL AZHAR

Bandung, West Java