Old Batavia Revitalized through Public and Private Partnership

To coordinate the restoration and management of the historic Old Batavia area in Jakarta, a Local Working Group has been established in conjunction with the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism to revitalize this historic part of the nations capital. Known locally at Kota Tua, Old Batavia showcases Indonesia's rich colonial heritage and importance to the former spice trade. This newly formed public and private partnership will focus on continuing to improve the prime tourist site for domestic and international tourists to Jakarta.

“The rebuilding and revitalization of Kota Tua (Old Batavia) is best undertaken by all stakeholders and must involve and benefit the local population”, said Firmansyah Rahim, Director General for Tourism Development of the Ministry for Tourism and Creative Economy at the installation of the LWG at the Bank Mandiri Museum in Old Batavia on 9 April.

“Although a large part of the main Fatahillah Square and main buildings surrounding the Plaza have been restored and the area has grown into a reasonable attractive tourist site, major challenges still include the management of the hundreds of hawkers and the restoration of many dilapidated buildings. As a most valuable heritage and tourism asset of Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, this area should be planned and developed comprehensively, from the reconstruction of old buildings on to their prospective use and management, which must all be in sync”, said Firmansyah.

T.B Sumantha, Executive Chair of LWG Kota Tua further explained that the LWG is a partner of the Office of Tourism and Culture of the Province of Jakarta and related shareholders, committed to participate and support in the development of the Kota Tua, - Old Batavia - , facilitated by the national Government.

Old Batavia is the area founded by the Dutch East India Company, (VOC) in the 16th century, when it was the center of company’s administration and lucrative spice trade during its heydays.

Last December 2012, Arie Budhiman, Head of Jakarta’s Tourism and Culture Office revealed that from 2013 Jakarta will emphasize the reconstruction of the Old Batavia area that will involve 134 buildings. In the coming two to three years, Kota Tua will be developed into a Town of Creativity and Innovation. Of the 134 buildings to be restored, only 5 are under the auspices of the Jakarta provincial administration, namely the Fatahillah or Jakarta Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Wayang Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, and the Conservation Institute.

Most other buildings are owned by state-owned companies and the private sector, continued Arie Budhiman, which is the reason why Jakarta needs the support of the national government including that of the Ministry of Finance.