Public told to watch HI renovation
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta, Jakarta
Heritage lovers expressed guarded optimism about the plan to renovate Hotel Indonesia in Central Jakarta, as the dilapidated condition of the building has hampered its business prospects.
However, they expressed apprehension over whether the renovation would meet the required ruling to maintain the 41-year-old hotel's original design.
"I agree with the renovation plan in so far as it will help the hotel's business. However, I'm concerned that the investor may ignore the historical aspects of the building," Naniek Widayati, director of the Center for Architecture and Conservation, told The Jakarta Post on Friday.
PT Cipta Karya Bumi Indah (PT CKBI), a subsidiary of Djarum Group, has taken over the management of Hotel Indonesia and Inna Wisata Hotel.
Naniek said that business interests often overlooked the value of heritage sites. She cited Candra Naya, a Chinese mansion built in the 19th century, as an example.
Located on Jl. Gajah Mada, Central Jakarta, the mansion is not visible as it is surrounded by modern buildings. The owner (of the land on which new construction surrounding Candra Naya has taken place) had planned to relocate the building to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta, but the proposal has been strongly opposed by the public.
Naniek called on the public to watch closely the renovation of Hotel Indonesia, to avoid a similar fate to Candra Naya.
The new management of Hotel Indonesia has not submitted its proposed renovation plan to the Jakarta Culture and Museum Agency; a requirement before any renovation work can take place.
The agency's supervision division head, Candrian Attahiyyat, pointed out that the renovation must not change the original structure of the hotel building. He said the hotel management must submit the proposal immediately so that it could be assessed by a renovation assessment team.
President Director of PT Hotel Indonesia Natour, which manages both hotels, A.M. Suseto said that the renovation would actually highlight the original design of the hotel when it was officially opened in 1962 to host the participants of the fourth Asian Games.
The hotel's Bali wing and a canopy in the main lobby will be demolished, while the number of rooms will be reduced from 600 to 300.
Inna Wisata Hotel will be torn down for the construction of a super mall that will start in June.
The 30-year build operate and transfer agreement on the two hotels was signed by the government and the investor in mid February. The company will invest US$150 million for the hotel renovation and the mall construction.
Meanwhile, hundreds of Hotel Indonesia employees -- who were dismissed following the take over -- protested the decision at the hotel's Ramayana restaurant.
"The management has refused to discuss compensation with the employees," said John Sirait, the lawyer of the Hotel Indonesia workers union.