Heritage lovers mull ways to hasten old town's revitalization

The Jakarta Post Jakarta

Some things can be done overnight, but others require a longer process.

When it comes to revitalizing the old town of Batavia, known as Kota today, the latter might be the case, but transforming some of its more neglected areas so that they can be used by the public is a good step in the right direction.

"The open space along Kali Besar on Jl. Pancoran and those under the highway could be turned into more 'positive spaces' that would give the area a more positive image," said Budi Lim, an architect-cum-urban-designer who is also involved in the heritage enthusiast group Jakarta Old Town-Kotaku (JOK).

Budi explained that focusing on neglected areas was the most feasible way to fix up the area in the short run.

"The transformation of those places could help trigger the revitalization of the buildings in the area," he added.

He said one idea was to use Kali Besar according to the season: in the dry season, the bed of the Kali besar river could be used for activities, while in the wet season, it could be used as a transportation route.

Kota is an area notorious for its poorly maintained old buildings, traffic congestion, recurrent flooding, on-street parking problems, ubiquitous street vendors and polluted waterways.

Garnering support from officials in the Jakarta administration, the owners of the old buildings, artists, architects, businesspeople and heritage buffs have been working toward one goal: to revitalize the area.

It has been almost a year since they teamed up and while few changes are apparent the team has the spirit of success.

Later this year, several events and festivals will be held in Kota in the hope of attracting people who do not usually make it to that side of the city.

This month alone, the CP foundation's art biennale is being held at the Museum of Bank Indonesia, and the Batavia festival will follow.

Budi said the biggest challenges the group faced were related to traffic and the environment.

"We have to admit that some targets we miss, but other times our activities are a success."

Budi said the government needed to encourage investment in a scheme to relocate street vendors.

"In Singapore and Malaysia, street vendors can still make a living in shop-houses," he said. It is a matter of law enforcement and of making conditions conducive to income- generation for the vendors.

To transform Kota into a place as vital as it was centuries ago is a challenge that requires patience.