Sawahlunto City Government strengthens synergy for heritage area revitalisation
Sawahlunto — The Sawahlunto City Government in West Sumatra Province is strengthening synergy with the Ministry of Public Works to implement a revitalisation plan for the heritage district as part of strategic area development based on historical heritage.
Sawahlunto Mayor Riyanda Putra said that revitalising the old city area is an important step to improve the quality of the district and optimise the potential of the Ombilin Sawahlunto Coal Mining Heritage (WTBOS) as a heritage destination.
Discussions on the revitalisation plan were held with the Sub-directorate Head for Region I of the Directorate for Strategic Area Development under the Directorate General of Public Works Creation, Kusumawardhani, and the Head of the West Sumatra Regional Settlement Infrastructure Centre, Maria Doeni Isa, along with their teams.
According to the mayor, the area development focuses not only on the restoration of historic buildings but also on improving supporting infrastructure to ensure the old city area is well-organised and pleasant for visitors.
The revitalisation programme is implemented through coordination between the central and local governments with clear role division in technical planning, provision of area infrastructure, and support from local policies.
The Directorate General of Public Works Creation, through the West Sumatra Regional Settlement Infrastructure Centre, provides support on technical planning and strengthening of basic area infrastructure to ensure revitalisation meets the standards for heritage area development.
Meanwhile, the Sawahlunto City Government is preparing administrative support, complete planning documentation, land readiness, and integration of the revitalisation programme with spatial planning and local development policies.
“Through this revitalisation, it is hoped that Sawahlunto’s old city area can develop as a centre for sustainable cultural activities, tourism, and local economy,” the mayor said.
The revitalisation of the old city area is also aimed at improving the quality of the heritage district to make it better organised and representative, whilst generating economic value for the community without losing the character and historical value of the area.
The old city area of Sawahlunto comprises several historic sites that are part of the Ombilin Sawahlunto Coal Mining Heritage landscape, including the Goedang Ransoem Museum, Mbah Suro Mine, Railway Museum, and a number of colonial buildings with significant historical value.