Riverbank Architecture Festival Encourages Residents to Care for the Environment

The East Jakarta Administration, in collaboration with Indonesian Institute of Architects (IAI) Jakarta, is holding the Jakarta Riverbank Architecture Festival at the East Flood Canal (BKT) sluicegate in Malakasari, Duren Sawit Sub-district.

Introducing the concept of healthy homes

The festival, which runs through Sunday (9/6), was officially opened by Fauzi, East Jakarta Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs.

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Fauzi said the festival serves as a platform to educate the public about the importance of keeping rivers clean and preserving them, while also introducing the concept of healthy homes and the planning of riverbank areas.

According to him, holding the festival at BKT sends an important message that rivers are more than just waterways or boundaries between areas.

"I appreciate the initiative to hold this festival and the decision to hold it at BKT," he said on Friday (9/4).

Fauzi explained that rivers should not only be seen as places where water flows, but also as spaces that can add character to various community activities.

One of the festival's highlights is a series of simple house designs created by an architecture team.

"The designs prioritize the concept of healthy homes and can serve as inspiration for the community," he explained.

Meanwhile, IAI Jakarta Chair Teguh Aryanto pointed the Jakarta Riverbank Architecture Festival was designed to engage and educate the public about the importance of rivers to life in Jakarta.

"The three-day festival features a wide range of activities. The public is welcome to take part and help enliven the festival," he said.

The activities, he added, include a talk show on the role of rivers, healthy-home counseling for local residents, and Architect Goes to School.

As part of Architect Goes to School, architects visited three schools: SMAN 61, SMAN 71, and SMAN 100. Students learned about the architecture profession, the role of rivers, and the concept of healthy homes.

"The festival is also enlivened by a kite-flying competition with 50 participants," he said.

The event also features the five-kilometer BKT Run with 500 participants, as well as a sketching session inspired by the scenery around the festival area.

"Visitors can also enjoy an outdoor movie screening, an exhibition of riverbank and healthy-home design concepts, and lenong performances," he added.