Governor Pramono Explains Significance of Fatmawati Statue in Heritage Flag Park
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo has explained the significance of the statue of Fatmawati standing in the newly inaugurated Heritage Flag Park (Taman Bendera Pusaka), which was formally opened on Saturday afternoon, 14 March.
According to Pramono, the placement of the statue in the Heritage Flag Park represents a tribute to Fatmawati, who was the seamstress of the Indonesian Red and White flag.
“By placing the statue of Mrs Fatmawati in the Heritage Flag Park area, we wish to pay tribute to a figure who made tremendous contributions to our nation and country. Everyone knows that she is the one who stitched this heritage flag,” Pramono explained when met at the Heritage Flag Park in South Jakarta on Saturday.
Notably, Pramono added that the statue depicts Fatmawati stitching the Red and White heritage flag whilst pregnant. He regards Fatmawati’s role in historical records as highly significant, as she created a symbol that united the nation.
“I received a direct explanation from Mrs Megawati that the most difficult part of the sewing was the red colour. Therefore, our symbol of pride, our national symbol of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, was truly created and presented by Mrs Fatmawati Soekarnoputri,” he said.
Pramono has invited all citizens of the capital to enjoy the 24-hour park. The Heritage Flag Park will open to the public starting 15 March.
Beyond basketball courts, jogging tracks, and padel courts, visitors can also purchase food and beverages available in the park.
“We decided to provide opportunities for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop in this location and collaborate with regional state-owned enterprises under the Jakarta administration,” Pramono explained.
The park inauguration was also attended by Indonesia’s fifth President Megawati Soekarnoputri.
The South Jakarta Administration had previously reported that the Heritage Flag Park development had reached 80 per cent completion ahead of its scheduled inauguration this month. The revitalisation, which combines three parks—Leuser Park, Ayodya Park, and Langsat Park—covers 5.5 hectares and has achieved approximately 42 per cent progress in development.
The Heritage Flag Park serves as an oasis within a business zone owing to its strategic location. The area was previously planned as an ASEAN Park, an international-scale green open space.