'Renovate but don't alter original design'

The renovation of Luar Batang Mosque in Pasar Ikan, North Jakarta, has unavoidably replaced most of the building materials with brand-new marble and bricks, although retaining the original design. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents on their opinion of whether heritage sites in Jakarta should be renovated or demolished to make way for new development.

Bimo Dwi Arisetyo, 24, is a journalist with automotive magazine Motor Dagang, whose office is located in Harmoni, Central Jakarta. He lives in Ciledug, Tangerang:

I think people are no longer interested in visiting historical sites and old buildings, including museums. Such places are only for elementary school students because they offer nothing new to visitors. One visit is more than enough.

Many, especially young people, prefer to hang out in cafes or malls, because they can find more entertaining attractions there.

Museum managements must face the facts. They should provide more interesting exhibits in museums to attract visitors.

Bob, 31, is an assistant manager at Erasmus Huis, South Jakarta. He lives in Bekasi.

Renovation of our heritage buildings is fine, as long as it does not alter the original design. New building materials are also fine as long as they match the old ones.

Well, at least please try to use new materials that are as similar as possible, like those used in the renovation of Borobudur temple, Central Java, in order not to ruin the original features of the building.

I think that maintaining the original design is important because it is part of history. The future is based on the past -- history.

I love to roam around the old city Batavia, including the Maritime Museum, Sunda Kelapa port, and VOC Galangan Cafe, North Jakarta.

However, the site is not integrated, so it's hard to walk around the area without having to put up with traffic congestion, noise and a crowded market. Ultimately, you spend most of the time in an air-conditioned car.

-- The Jakarta Post