JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has allocated a budget of around Rp. 21 billion to renovate the core zone of Pura Mangkunegaran in Surakarta, in 2026.
However, unlike general construction projects, the work is preceded by a strict mapping of the parts of the building that can be repaired and areas that must be maintained for their authenticity as a cultural heritage.
Acting Director General of Construction of the Ministry of PU Chandra R.P. Situmorang said that the principle of caution was the key to the restoration of the historic area.
Because the purpose of the project is not to change the face of the building, but to keep the cultural heritage sustainable and safe to use.
"We are very careful to map where it can be touched and where it cannot. The cultural heritage aspect is very important for us so that the sustainability of the heritage and the authenticity of the cultural elements remain sustainable. This is not just building, it is taking care of history," said Chandra as quoted from a written statement, Wednesday, June 17.
The restoration is a follow-up to the direction of Minister PU Dody Hanggodo to collaborate with the Mangkunegaran party in maintaining a historic building that is one of the icons of Javanese culture.
The revitalized zone covers an area of 22,000 square meters, ranging from Pendopo Ageng, Pringgitan, Dalem Ageng to a number of functional buildings in the core area of Pura Mangkunegaran.
Even so, Chandra emphasized that renovations would not be carried out on a large scale as in modern buildings.
"This core zone starts from the pendopo, pringgitan, dalem ageng and functional buildings around it. However, it needs to be emphasized, this is a heritage building (cultural cage). We cannot and will not significantly renovate it. We only do a refresh, architectural improvements and reinforcement of the supporting structure," he said.
According to him, the planning process has been carried out since March 2026.
In its implementation, the Ministry of PU involves Cultural Heritage Experts (TACB) and coordinates intensively with the authorities of Pura Mangkunegaran to ensure that each work is in accordance with the principles of conservation.
Based on the results of the assessment, the Ageng Palace area is the point that requires the most attention.
The work will focus on repairing part of the roof structure, checking and repairing the ceiling and strengthening the building structure.
"Technical work in this area will target the repair of part of the roof structure, checking and repairing the ceiling and optimizing the performance of the building structure," he said.
Currently, the Mangkunegaran core zone restoration project is entering the tender (auction) process.
The Ministry of PU targets that contracts with service providers who have the competence to handle historic buildings can be signed in the second week of July 2026.
With a budget of around Rp21 billion, the government targets all work to be completed by December 2026.
"The estimated cost that we will spend is around Rp. 21 billion. We hope that by December this year all the work will be completed and completed," he explained.
Support for the preservation of Pura Mangkunegaran adds to the list of the Ministry of PU's involvement in maintaining historic buildings in Surakarta.
Previously, the government had also completed a number of repair and conservation works in the Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta area.
Through the restoration, the government hopes that historic buildings that are the identity of the nation's culture can be maintained and passed on to future generations without losing their authentic value.
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