Vice President Gibran Asks For Revitalization Of Warenhuis Integrating Culture And The Economy

JAKARTA - Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka asked the revitalization of the cultural heritage building, Warenhuis, in Medan City, North Sumatra, to integrate cultural values and the creative economy.

Gibran said the integration was part of President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita mission to strengthen the harmony of people's lives by maintaining the noble values of the nation's culture.

"I hope that the Warenhuis Building can become a new icon that integrates cultural heritage with creative economy activities, so that it can attract tourists and improve the local economy," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, December 23.

Regarding the revitalization of historical buildings, the Vice President emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural values and their benefits for the surrounding community.

The Vice President also appreciated the Medan City Government for involving local communities and art actors in planning the new function of the building, which used to be the first supermarket building in Medan City.

With this collaboration, the Warenhuis Building is not only a symbol of culture, but also an innovation center relevant to the needs of modern society.

The revitalization of the Warenhuis Building began in 2023 at the initiative of the Mayor of Medan Bobby Nasution, with the aim of making this building a creative center for the younger generation as well as an exhibition room for MSME players and culinary stall owners.

The funding for this project will run from 2023-2024, using the Medan City APBD. According to the Medan City Cipta Karya Settlement Area Housing Service (PKPCKTR), the physical revitalization work has reached 90 percent and is expected to be completed by the end of December 2024.

Vice President Gibran reviewed the project accompanied by Mrs. Selvi Ananda and a number of relevant regional officials.