Bogor City Government Starts to Arrange Empang Square as a Green Open Space with Historical Value

BOGOR - The Bogor City Government has started to arrange the Empang Square in the South Bogor District into a green open space that still maintains the historical value of the area. The arrangement, which has long been planned, was officially started after the land management status was confirmed through the establishment of the nazhir wakaf of the At Thohiriyah Grand Mosque.

Bogor Mayor Dedie A. Rachim directly reviewed the start of the arrangement process on Sunday, June 28. According to him, the area of about 3,000 square meters will be returned to its main function as a square as well as a comfortable public space for the community.

"Alhamdulillah, finally we can start a step of joint arrangement," said Dedie.

He said that the concept of arrangement prioritizes green open spaces combined with the preservation of the historical value of the Empang area. In addition to providing parks and public spaces, the government will also accommodate the needs of parking areas and culinary centers for MSMEs so that the area remains alive and useful for the community.

According to Dedie, Empang Square has an important historical value for the City of Bogor. In the Dutch colonial era, the area was known as Sukahati and had once been the center of the Bogor Regency government.

"This is where the government in Bogor City began during the Dutch colonial period. Now there is an opportunity for us to manage it," he said.

The historical value of the area is also strengthened by the existence of the At Thohiriyah Grand Mosque which has been standing since 1816. Therefore, the arrangement was carried out so that the function of modern public spaces could run side by side with the preservation of the identity of the area.

"We will manage everything. The residents have also agreed, the heirs have also agreed. We just have to take advantage of this opportunity together," said Dedie.

Currently, heavy equipment has begun working on dredging, leveling, and paving as the initial stage of construction.

Head of the Bogor City Housing and Settlement Service, Chusnul Rozaqi, said that the new arrangement could be realized after the wakaf nazhir handed over the management of the area to the Bogor City Government.

"Actually, we have wanted to organize this area since long ago, but it has been hampered by the status of the land. Now, the new nazhir has asked the city government to manage this area to be thoroughly organized," said Chusnul.

He added that the concept of arrangement would be carried out comprehensively, starting from the construction of parks as open green spaces, arranging parking areas, preserving historical areas, to arranging UMKM traders, including legendary traders who have been selling in the Empang area for a long time.

The Department of Cooperatives, SMEs, Trade, and Industry will list the traders, while the Department of Transportation will prepare the land parking needs so that all supporting facilities are well arranged.

With this concept, Empang Square is expected to become a green open space that not only beautifies the area, but also preserves the history of Bogor City while becoming a comfortable and productive public space for the community.