Heritage trust races against time

Heritage trust races against time

The Sumatra Heritage Trust (BWS), in cooperation with Netherlands
Management Cooperation (NMCP), is putting together an integrated
method to preserve the Kesawan and Merdeka Square area in Medan.

With their paper not yet completed, however, the Medan
administration has already implemented its own agenda on Merdeka
Square and Kesawan.

Founded in 1998 by a group of concerned young people, BWS has
been involved in a number of projects. in 2002, BWS fought hard
for the Medan administration to preserve a building that was
formerly owned by trading company Lindeteves Stokvis and later PT
Mega Eltra on Jl. Brigjen Katamso.

Despite the outcry, the building, built in 1889 but not
protected under the city's byway, was demolished.

"We have noted that there are only slightly more than 42
buildings under the protection of the city bylaw, which states
that the facade of the protected buildings must not be
demolished," newly appointed BWS executive director Soehardi
Hartono told The Jakarta Post.

Meanwhile, he said, BWS proposed to the administration to put
150 buildings under the protection of the bylaw.

"Actually, we think the administration should also revise the
bylaw. It should not only protect the facade, but also the entire
building," he said.

BWS has a lot of work to do in convincing the city and
businesspeople about a different approach to development.

"We are often mistaken for people who are against development.
No, we aren't. We just believe that the heritage buildings are
our wealth, our assets that should be preserved," Soehardi said.

He said the buildings could provide economic benefits for the
city, and an appropriate business plan that included them would
help support their maintenance.

BWS publishes a newsletter and holds discussions to educate
the public, especially young people, who Soehardi believes are
developing a greater appreciation of tradition.

In 2003, it received an Award of Merit in the Asia Pacific
Heritage Awards from UNESCO for helping in the rejuvenation of
Tjong Yong Hian bridge on Jl. Zainul Arifin.

The bridge, also known as "virtue bridge", was built in 1916
to commemorate Chinese Mayor Tjong Yong Hian, who lived from 1855
to 1911. In testament to the multiethnic heritage of the city,
the tribute to Tjong is written in old Javanese, Dutch and
Mandarin.

The renovation, initiated by BWS, took place in 2001, with
donations from Tjong's descendants and the public.

"The renovation project really aroused the local pride,"
Soehardi said.