Kota Tua Revitalization, Governor: A Sense of Equality is the Model for the Future City

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan took his time to monitor the progress of revitalizing Kota Tua as a model for the future city, Friday (8/26).

Soon, we will see a new area that represents the future of Jakarta

At that time, he was starting the monitoring from the Kota Intan Bridge, Besar Utara River, Besar Selatan River, Pintu Besar Utara, Transit BEOS Plaza to Lada Plaza, West Jakarta.

Legislators Appreciate Sidewalk Revitalization in Kota Tua Area

As quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release, he stated that the revitalization of the Kota Tua was designed to present a tourist area that humanizes pedestrians, was oriented towards active and equal mobility for all, and was environmentally friendly (low emission).

"Soon, we will see a new area that represents the future of Jakarta. Starting from here, we want to see an area that prioritizes pedestrians, using public transportation, without private vehicles, thus it creates a sense of equality," he expressed, on the sidelines of the Batavia Kota Tua Festival from August 26 to 28, 2022, as quoted by Jakarta PPID's press release.

He asserted that the Kota Tua area would be a location that could reflect the fifth precept, which is based on social justice regardless of background. It is because the concept of the third space in Jakarta is prepared as a space for interaction between residents thus all experiences and stories become one, depicting the reality of urban life globally.

"This sense of equality is the breakthrough force that exists in this city, and it is the future. Then behind, there is one of the oldest stations (read: Jakarta Kota) which is around 100 years where we plan to attach the MRT Jakarta station there. InsyaAllah, Jakarta will continue to experience modernization to reflect a global city," he explained.

He also advised all levels of society who were present at the opening of the Kota Tua Batavia Festival to take care of this area in the future. It is also included in maintaining the authenticity of the historical heritage of the old kampongs around the Kota Tua.

"Besides historical buildings, there are also old villages and these shouldn't be removed, they must be treated, and developed, as they are part of the history of our nation's journey," he concluded.

As for the information, the Jakarta administration implements a low-emission area in the Kota Tua area to improve air quality around the location, as well as reduce congestion. It also includes setting up pedestrian facilities covering an area of ± 29,000 m2, including at Lada and Kemukus Plazas, BEOS Transit Plaza, Promenade Kali Besar Utara, and other pedestrian spaces in the Kota Tua area.

This pedestrianization adds to the existing public spaces that have previously been built in Fatahillah Plaza and Promenade Kali Besar Selatan and unites them as integrated public spaces.

Then the administration is also revitalizing the Jakarta Kota station and Transjakarta bus stop, as well as the construction of the MRT for the Bundaran HI - Kota Tua route to make the Kota Tua area more accessible by public transportation.

On that occasion, the governor also invited investors to activate state-owned and private assets as an example of post-revitalization adaptive reuse.

Adaptive reuse refers to efforts to reuse assets by adjusting the condition of existing assets, in this case, cultural heritage buildings, for instance, Tugu Batavia, Bank Indonesia, Cafe Batavia, etc.

To conduct activation, the administration collaborated with the Jakarta Experience Board (JXB) as a Jakarta BUMD which is engaged in tourism.

JXB President Director Novita Dewi uttered that with the activation that will be carried out, Kota Tua is expected to become a third space, which encourages more interaction between residents, provides space for creators, and becomes an inclusive creative space in the middle of the city.

"For these three days, the Batavia Kota Tua Festival presents an MSME bazaar and music performances. We provide space for MSMEs and artists to work and grow following the function of the Kota Tua area as an equal third space for all," she explained.

She added that JXB as an activator of the Kota Tua area is committed to consistently activating public spaces in Jakarta with a collaborative approach. Her party invites the Kota Tua community, the young generation, companies, and artists to come together to enliven Kota Tua.

"We open opportunities for collaboration in creative activities in public spaces through jxboard.co.id/kolaborasi-event. We'll welcome creative initiatives from the community thus together we make the area an active city space," she stated.

The Batavia Kota Tua Festival will take place from August 26 to 28, 2022, presenting 80 local brands and 10 modern and traditional art performances.

It will be staged at Plaza Fatahillah from 10 AM to 9 PM. This is free of charge, so let's come.

For more information, the public can access the official Instagram @bataviakotatua and @jxboard. Kota Tua was well organized in collaboration with Teh Pucuk, Le Minerale, Kopiko Lucky Day, Bank Indonesia, and Bank Mandiri.