Governor turns down Candra Naya relocation
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
City Governor Sutiyoso finally said no to the proposed relocation of the Candra Naya Chinese Mansion on Jl. Gajah Mada in West Jakarta to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta.
However, the governor's rejection may not immediately end discussion over the building's fate, as the owner of the mansion has yet to stop demolition plans, for what is believed to be the oldest example of Chinese architecture in Jakarta.
Sutiyoso stressed that he did not need to issue a new decree to prohibit the demolition as the old decree remains valid.
"If the gubernatorial decree is still valid why should I issue a new one," the governor said on Monday.
Sutiyoso referred to gubernatorial decree No. 475/1993 to indicate that Candra Naya is a cultural heritage building which must be protected.
Chairman of the Indonesian Chinese Community Group (PSMTI), Teddy Jusuf, said in a seminar on Saturday, that Sutiyoso should issue a new decree if he had finally decided against relocation of the building.
The Modern Group -- owned by business tycoon Hartono Samadikun -- bought the property in 1992 and is currently constructing a hotel and a 30-floor apartment block at the location. The construction is near completion and the Candra Naya mansion is now surrounded by the brick walls of the hotel and the apartment block.
Sutiyoso asserted that the demolition of the building would never take place since the city administration would never issue a permit to develop the area while the building was protected.
Decree No. 475/1993 is not the only ruling that protects Jakarta's heritage. Other rulings include the Dutch's Monumenten Ordonantie Stb. 238/1931, the Republic of Indonesia's Minister of Education and Culture Edict No. 0128/M/1988 and Jakarta Gubernatorial Decree No. Cb.11/1/12/1972 and No. 475/1993.
Heritage sites are further protected under Law No. 5/1992 concerning Items of Cultural Property and Government Regulation No. 10/1993 on implementation of Law No. 5/1992.
Candra Naya 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 but was also famous and wealthy.
A descendant of the Khouw family either sold or donated the house to the Chinese social and educational organization, Sin Ming Hui, which later became known as Candra Naya. The organization later moved to Tarumanegara University and Sumber Waras Hospital in West Jakarta where it is today.
Candra Naya housed the first competition of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) as well as the first billiard and weight-lifting competitions in Jakarta.