SOE Minister Interested In Making Old Town More 'Useful' Like The Sarinah Building

Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of SOEs)

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir revealed that state-owned companies' assets in the Kota Tua area, Jakarta, have not been fully utilized. Such as Bank Mandiri, Jasindo, Kerta Niaga, or Cipta Niaga buildings.

This was conveyed by Erick, during a visit to Kota Tua, Jakarta on Sunday, June 26. Erick went around and saw the condition of several buildings belonging to state-owned companies.

Erick also expressed his interest in changing the Old City to be more useful and more optimal, just like the Sarinah Building in Central Jakarta.

"I am interested and inspired to see the buildings around the Old City. If we can change Sarinah, Kota Tua must also be able to," he said in a written statement received by VOI, quoted on Monday, June 27.

The former Intermilan boss gave an example of historic assets that have been put to good use, such as the Pos Philately Building which is now a Pos Bloc in the Pasar Baru area. This area is used to accommodate MSME businesses, local products, arts and culture.

Referring to the renovation of the Sarinah Building, which carries the concept of an urban forest that prioritizes outdoor space in the heart of the capital, Erick also wants Kota Tua to undergo a similar transformation. Moreover, the historical value of Kota Tua is much thicker along with the formation of the city of Jakarta as the nation's capital.

"If Sarinah is now the new attraction and icon of Jakarta, then Kota Tua will come with a different impression, but has broad benefits for the community because there will also be MSMEs, local products, art and cultural performances. Moreover, not far from here, there are former National Archives Building," he said.

Erick said that the transformation of state-owned companies' assets in the Kota Tua area, Jakarta will begin in 2023.

"God willing, next year we will try to synergize with the development of the old city as a whole," he said.