Kota Tua Jakarta, Symbol Of Diversity And Tourist Attraction

The Old Town Area of Jakarta (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Jakarta has a strategic role as Indonesia's first face in the eyes of foreign tourists. As the main gateway, this city provides an early experience that illustrates the cultural diversity and rapid development of infrastructure in the country.

"As one of the main gates for foreign tourists, Jakarta has an important role in giving the first impression about Indonesia," said Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana at a press conference Wisdom in the Old Town: A Lunar Celebration in Jakarta, Monday.

Widiyanti said the city of Jakarta had gone through a long journey from time to time. The developments that occur not only include changing names to regional status, but also developments in all aspects of people's lives, including access to transportation that is increasingly advanced and integrated.

With easy access to tourist destinations, the Ministry of Tourism together with the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta strengthens its commitment to revitalize Kota Tua as a historic location as well as a dynamic center of art and culture.

One of them is by holding a fashion and jewelry show entitled 'Wisdom in the Old Town: A Lunar Celebration', which combines the Chinese New Year tradition with modern elements from the fashion world set in the Old Town.

The designers involved are Adrian Gan, Sebastian Gunawan, and Rinaldy Yunardi, who are inspired by Chinese culture and the beauty of the heritage of the archipelago.

"By making this event a collaboration platform, we believe that strategic partnerships will have a sustainable positive impact on the Indonesian tourism, arts and culture industry," said Menpar Widiyanti.

Apart from the event side, the government seeks to shape Indonesia's image as a country that respects culture and diversity through the choice of the House of Monument as the location for the show.

What was emphasized from that location was the history of the House of Tugu which used to belong to a Tiogha merchant named Oei Tiong Ham, which contained historical relics that showed the diversity of Batavia culture.

Now the House of Tugu has become a tourist attraction in itself and contributes to encouraging tourists to visit the Kota Tua area, Jakarta.

According to Menpar, this history is proof that Indonesia is a country rich in cultural diversity, including the influence of Chinese culture which has become an integral part of history and society since the Dutch East Indies era.

"Preserving Chinese cultural heritage is not only a matter of maintaining historical value, but also acknowledging its important role in shaping Indonesian cultural identity and our tourism sector," said Widiyanti.

Another effort made by the government is working on the Jakarta Phase 2A MRT construction project that connects the HI Roundabout to City Stations.

This makes the prospect of developing the Kota Tua area even better. This project is also divided into two segments, namely the HI-Harmoni Roundabout which is targeted for completion in 2027 and the Harmoni-Kota which is targeted for completion in 2029.

"The year 2027 is also a moment of celebration of 500 years old in Jakarta. Entering the 5th century of the city's age, Jakarta shows such rapid development, and is still the center of the economy as well as the attractiveness of Indonesian tourism, especially for urban communities," said Menpar.