Kota to be developed into business, tourist center

Kota to be developed into business, tourist center

JAKARTA (JP): In an ambitious campaign to boost the city's
income, the city administration will develop Kota subdistrict in
West Jakarta as a business center and tourist destination, an
official said on Thursday.

The plan was revealed by West Jakarta Mayor Sarimun
Hadisaputra on the sidelines of a seminar on environmental
sanitation at Trisakti University in West Jakarta.

"The plan to develop Kota as a business center and a tourist
destination is mainly aimed at creating an additional source of
city revenue," he said.

The mayor said his office was determined to make Kota the
city's main central business district, as well as showcasing
historic attractions for tourists.

"It has become our obsession. And we have already completed
the outline."

Kota is one of the city's most historic area. The Portuguese
landed at its port in the 16th century in an attempt to establish
a major colony on Java.

Dutch colonist later followed and built many of the buildings
which remain today. Among them was the Be Oost Railway Station,
now the Kota station, in the center of the area. The area is also
home to several museums.

Sarimun said his office would launch a city-wide campaign to
attract investors to the project.

He said the area would be closed to motor vehicles on weekend
afternoons once the plan was implemented.

"As an old area of the city, only delman (traditional two-
wheeled horse buggies) would be allowed to go around the area,"
he said. (01)