Minister Fadli Zon: Former Jiwasraya building has potential as museum

Minister of Culture Fadli Zon has said that the former Jiwasraya building in the Old Town area of Semarang, Central Java, could be considered for use as a museum, including a photography museum.

According to Minister Fadli, the former Jiwasraya building has the potential to be used as a cultural space while maintaining its historical value and architectural character.

“We hope that in the context of utilising heritage buildings, this building can become a museum, a kind of photography museum, or other uses so that it can be saved,” said Minister Fadli in an official statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

Minister Fadli expressed hope that such use could be part of efforts to save and preserve heritage buildings in the Old Town area of Semarang.

The building, formerly known as De Nederlandsche Indies Levensverzekering en Lijfrente Maatschappij, has three floors and retains a number of old architectural elements, including a lift made by the Otis Elevator Company that remains inside the building although it is no longer in use.

The existence of the building and its various original elements forms part of the historical richness of Semarang’s Old Town and reflects the development of architecture and building technology of its era.

The former Jiwasraya building is also one of the heritage buildings that has important historical and architectural value in the development of Semarang’s Old Town.

During a direct inspection of the former Jiwasraya building in the Old Town area of Semarang, Central Java, Minister Fadli saw first-hand the condition of the building and a number of elements that still show the character of the building from its time.

According to him, the existence of heritage buildings needs to be followed by appropriate use so that they remain preserved and can provide benefits to the public.

The Ministry of Culture continues to encourage the preservation of cultural heritage through uses that are in line with the value and character of the buildings.

These efforts are expected to safeguard cultural heritage while opening space for the public to learn about and make use of the historical value contained within it.