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.