Disappearance of building

I used to go with my family to the Indonesian Petroleum Association building on Jl. Ikwan Rais in the Gambir area for receptions, courses and other engagements. It was an adventure into the past thanks to its architecture and the photographs of olden times displayed in the hall.

In the vast back yard with sports facilities for families, we used to enjoy the shade of giant trees which were said to be 200 years old. A library with many books on oil was available too.

This building was truly splendid and ideal for meetings of people involved in the oil business. It was famous among oil experts the world over. There was a list of names of people who were instrumental in establishing the association.

A few months ago I drove past the area but did not see the familiar building. It had been razed. None of the trees had survived the onslaught. The beauty had vanished. Everything had disappeared.

Will there be a very important building in its place to justify the sacrifice? I do not know. As for the association, the venue for its meetings has been moved to the Kuningan area in South Jakarta.

I do deplore the disappearance of such a magnificent building.

SUGENG HARTONO

Jakarta