'Jakarta can learn lots from China'

There are at least two renovation projects on heritage sites underway in the capital; one is at Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta and the other is the Luar Batang Mosque in Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their opinion of whether the sites should be renovated or demolished to make way for new buildings.

Adri Ismanto, 34, is an employee at a distributing company in Tangerang. He lives in Serpong, Tangerang:

It goes without saying that economic growth often neglects or brushes aside older sections of the city, often replacing some interesting historical buildings with brand new buildings, factories, business centers or shopping malls.

I don't know of many proper historical or heritage sites still left in Greater Jakarta. But as one of the oldest cities in the country which was a center of administration during the Dutch colonial era, there really ought to be lots of interesting stuff left.

I think we have to protect those sites, they are the reminder of our history. They also give a more humane atmosphere to the busy metropolis.

With a well-integrated policy, the city administration really should be able to turn Jakarta into a unique tourist destination and increase city revenues, although that might mean less business districts, so I guess it's a choice they need to make.

Desy Irma, 29, is a graphic designer. She lives with her father in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta:

A city is supposed to maintain its original structure, or at least, its landmarks and should not construct more skyscrapers, which only further eliminates the unique character of the city.

As far as I know, Jakarta, in its early years during the Dutch-administered era, areas were neatly divided in several sections of the city according to the function of each site. There was a site specifically designed for the growing business district, others for housing, government offices as well as areas for museums and cultural/historical landmarks.

But now, the current administration has completely ignored this, and just haphazardly demolish historical sites strictly for business interests here, there and everywhere.

In Beijing, the source of civilization, the people there as well as the government are persistent in maintaining the buildings and any reminders of the old days integrated with the developing modern parts of the city. I think Jakarta could learn a lot from the Chinese.

--The Jakarta Post