Candra Naya relocation is legal violation

Candra Naya relocation is legal violation

Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Anyone who tries to relocate the Candra Naya building will
face the legal consequences, officials at the Ministry of
National Education said on Friday.

Anhar Gonggong, the ministry's deputy for history and
archeology, said that although regional autonomy had been
implemented, the city administration could not simply violate Law
No. 5/1992 on Cultural Property. If it persisted in relocating
the building, then legal action would be taken.

"We shall confront anyone that tries to move the Candra Naya
building. Earlier, we even filed a lawsuit against the minister
of religious affairs," he said, referring to the minister's
action last year in excavating the Batutulis archeological site
in Bogor, West Java.

Candra Naya has been a topic of controversy since the current
foundation claiming ownership of the property filed a petition
with Governor Sutiyoso, asking permission to demolish the site
and relocate the building to the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
(TMII) cultural park in East Jakarta.

The City Culture and Museum Agency has recommended that the
Governor refuse to issue a permit for the demolition of the
Candra Naya building on Jl. Gajah Mada, West Jakarta, but the
governor has said he is still undecided on the issue.

Sutiyoso said earlier he needed to consult with the Land
Affairs Office (BPUT) before taking any decision on the building.

Candra Naya, which is a cultural heritage site under
Ministerial Decree No. 0128/M/1988 and Gubernatorial Decree No.
475/1993, is currently enclosed by tall sheets of corrugated
iron, while an unfinished hotel and 30-floor apartment block
straddle the building.

The building was built at the end of the 18th century and
belonged to Khouw Tjeng Toan, according to historian Alwi Shahab.
Khouw was not only a Chinese mayor; he was famous and wealthy.

A descendant of the Khouw family either sold or donated the
house to a Chinese social and educational organization, Sin Ming
Hui, also known as Candra Naya, which later evolved into today's
Tarumanegara University and Sumber Waras Hospital in West
Jakarta.

The building was where the first competition of the Indonesian
Badminton Association (PBSI) was held, as well as the first three
billiards and weight-lifting competitions.