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.