Ali Sadikin Setes Intan City Bridge As A Cultural Conservation Item In History Today, September 7, 1972

Diamond Bridge or Bridge of Intan City which was inaugurated as a cultural heritage by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin on September 7, 1972. (Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - Today, 50 years ago, September 7, 1972, the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, designated the Intan City Bridge as a cultural heritage object. The decision was considered by all Jakartan people as a wise step. Because the historical value of the bridge that became the icon of Kota Tua is so big. What's wrong with that.

The bridge is proof that Batavia (now: Jakarta) was once a large trade center owned by the Dutch trading airline, the VOC. It is also a reminder of the pain of Dutch colonialism in Betawi land.

Making Jakarta, not setting up words. That's what Ali Sadikin did in building Jakarta. Ali Sadikin without talking much was able to put the interests of the citizens above all else. This commitment was proven when he chose to preserve the Old City.

He realized that the fate of the Old City, which used to be admired by various nations, was being neglected. No kidding, it has been 30 years since the Old Town was abandoned. Efforts to revitalize, both from the central government and DKI Jakarta have never come out of the echo. Ali Sadikin tried to break it down. The Old City is also included in the calendar where history and culture will be revitalized by the government.

The man nicknamed Kennedy from the East believes that Kota Tua has an important meaning in the history of the nation's journey. He began to promote the maintenance of old buildings in Kota Tua. buildings that have a long history are immediately revitalized. After that, the buildings were used as a variety of museums.

The goal is clear. In order to educate the nation's children. The presence of museums in Kota Tua is an important attraction from Jakarta tourism. Thanks to him, every day the Old City is always crowded with domestic and foreign tourists.

Recognizing the importance of the role of the museum, the DKI Jakarta Regional Government established various kinds of Jakarta History Museums, Rupa Art Museums, HB Jassin Sastra Documentation Sastra Museum, Wayang Museum, Textile Museum. At the end of my position, the Bahari Museum began to be pioneered. Until 1976, there were seven museums managed by the DKI Jakarta Regional Government.

Besides that, there are museums that have been established and managed by other government agencies, such as the Center Museum, Sasmita Loka Museum, Museum A. Yani, ABRI History Museum (Satria Mandala), Museum of Buaya Lobang, and National Monument Museum. At the end of my position I was initiated by an effort to establish a Maritime Museum, Prasadi Museum, and various other museums," explained Ali Sadikin in the book Bang Ali: For the sake of Jakarta 1966-1977 (1992).

Ali Sadikin's move in reviving Jakarta's tourism passion did not stop. He also set many relics of Batavia's golden age in Kota Tua as a cultural heritage object. The determination was made so that cultural heritage objects can continue to be sustainable. Even though Ali Sadikin in the future no longer serves as the number one person in Jakarta.

The Intan City Bridge, for example. The bridge built during the VOC administration also attracted Ali Sadikin's interest. Previously, every ship came with spices, the bridge could divide itself. Ali Sadikin believes that the beautiful picture of the Intan City Bridge can continue to be an icon of Jakarta tourism.

As reported by the Ministry of Education and Culture website, Ali Sadikin also appointed the Intan City Bridge as a cultural heritage object on September 7, 1972. This determination further catapulted Ali Sadikin's name as the best governor to ever lead Jakarta. Moreover, his legacy can be seen and felt to this day.