Kotatua development guidelines: preparation for the renaissance of Kotatua

Ref.: 76
Key theme: 01 Physical integrity of historic urban landscapes
Date of reception: 28/10/2008

AUTHORS (*Main author)

ATMOKO, Teguh Utomo * (Indonesia) - University of Indonesia

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the creation of development guidelines for Jakarta's Kotatua historic district, which is designated an urban heritage site and premier urban destination.

Kotatua (`old city') was a part of the walled city of old Batavia, which came into existence in 1650s. The old city wall was demolished in 1810 and the city subsequently expanded. From a walled city, Kotatua grew into the CBD of Batavia, and then gradually declined, with the new financial and business centers moving to the southern part of the city, now called Jakarta.

Kotatua was designated as a heritage site based on its prior historical functions and the fact that its physical condition is still quite intact. For example, the old city square remains intact, surrounded by the old town hall and courthouse buildings, which today serve as museums. Although most of the buildings were built in the 1930s, many old buildings dating back to the eighteen century are still standing. The canals, which in the old days dominated the urban landscape, have evolved, over three centuries of reclamation, into roads.

Although designated an urban heritage site, the area still allows new development to take place. Many buildings and lots, especially outside the core area, are non-heritage buildings. Many buildings, including those within the core, are heritage buildings that regulations specify only their facades and exterior shell need be preserved. These buildings and lots can be redeveloped and optimized for new uses. The heritage buildings that have to be wholly preserved are also permitted to be utilized. Guidelines for developing and utilizing these properties must be created.

Preparation for the guidelines began with the understanding that they will guide the development of this heritage area as well as the development of heritage buildings and non-heritage buildings and lots located within this area. At the same these guidelines will guide the revitalization of this underutilized area into one of Jakarta's vibrant urban destinations.

Investigation of the site history resulted in a book about the site's physical history, landscape and buildings. This book then became the main source for the preparation of the actual heritage area; its boundaries, the urban spatial elements, and the buildings and structures that need to be preserved and restored.

At the same time, investigations regarding the best utilization of the area and its buildings were made. The need for an urban destination that uniquely represents Jakarta and the revitalization of the area became the main objectives of these investigations. However, the area's historical value and importance to the city's history cannot be compromised.

The guidelines created are a marriage between efforts to conserve and preserve the heritage site and buildings of Kotatua, and efforts to revitalize the area into one of Jakarta's premier urban destinations. The guidelines direct development of the site; chiefly its public places, individual buildings and lots. This controls the utilization of heritage and new buildings for uses that will revitalize as well as indirectly preserve the area and its heritage buildings.

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