Dutch Tram Rail Found At MRT Project, Anies' Men: Has Benefits In The Future

DOK MRT Jakarta

JAKARTA - The Head of the DKI Jakarta Culture Service, Iwan Henry Wardhana, said that the discovery of the Dutch-era tram tracks in the Glodok-Kota MRT Jakarta phase 2A construction project could be useful in the future if they were saved.

Henry explained that the findings of historical objects in development projects can be used as research material, so that later they can be used as a vehicle for education to future generations.

"Hopefully it's not just a finding, but this is an effort to save objects that are suspected to be cultural heritage and at the same time have value for all of us in the future," said Iwan in a virtual discussion, Monday, December 27.

The discovery of the tram tracks in the MRT project is called Henry following up on Article 23 of Law Number 11 of 2010 concerning Cultural Conservation.

Article 23 states that any person or business entity that finds objects that are suspected to be cultural heritage objects or buildings that are suspected to be cultural heritage buildings, or structures that are similar to cultural conservation and their location must report them to the competent authority.

"What PT MRT has done is an important part of efforts to restore civilizations in the past by not forgetting the activities that will be carried out in the future," said Iwan.

It is known, some time ago, PT MRT Jakarta accidentally found a historic artifact in the form of a tram line from the Dutch colonial era. The rail construction was found under the concrete of Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan.

The tram tracks found have various depths, from 15 to 110 centimeters. Currently, discussions are being held with the DKI Provincial Government, a team of cultural heritage experts, and archaeologists to handle the relocation, including the storage of the find of the tram tracks.