JAKARTA - The controversy over the plan to develop the Kodam II/Sriwijaya Hospital in the Benteng Kuto Besak area, Palembang, has begun to find a light. The Ministry of Culture ensures that the project does not violate the cultural heritage area because it is outside the fortress walls.
This certainty emerged in a coordination meeting between the Ministry of Culture and Kodam II/Sriwijaya at the Ministry of Culture Office, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 3.
This issue previously triggered rejection from a number of cultural activists and people in Palembang. The main concern, the construction of TNI health facilities is considered potentially disruptive to one of the important historical sites of the Palembang Sultanate.
Minister of Culture Fadli Zon said that in terms of cultural regulations, the construction of the hospital was not a problem because its location was outside the fence of the Benteng Kuto Besak cultural heritage area.
However, he emphasized that development should not sacrifice the historical value of the fort.
"We hope that these cultural assets will be protected, especially those related to historical assets. Moreover, this is an important legacy from the era of the Sultanate of Palembang," said Fadli.
Kuto Besak Fortress itself has been designated as a cultural heritage through a ministerial decision in 2004. This area has been a symbol of Palembang history for years, but public access to the inside of the fortress is still limited.
Therefore, the meeting also discussed plans to open the fortress area as a historical and cultural tourism destination that is more open to the public.
Fadli assessed that this issue is not merely a hospital development project, but how to find a meeting point between the needs of public facilities and the preservation of historical heritage.
"What is needed is a common perception so that there is a win-win solution. The narrative about Benteng Kuto Besak remains alive in the community," he said.
Meanwhile, the Commander of the Second Military Region/Sriwijaya Major General Ujang Darwis said the development of the hospital aims to improve health services for TNI soldiers, families, and the general public in Palembang.
According to the Commander, the construction is planned in the area of the old polyclinic which is outside the fortress so as not to touch the cultural heritage structure.
Kodam II/Sriwijaya also began to carry out an analysis of the impact of cultural heritage or heritage impact assessment before the physical construction began.
"We are committed to development that will not damage historical heritage," said Major General TNI Ujang Darwis.
The meeting also resulted in a number of follow-up plans, including encouraging Kuto Besak Fort to be designated as a National Cultural Heritage and opening public access to the inner area of the fort in a more professional manner.
The meeting was attended by the ranks of Kodam II/Sriwijaya and officials from the Ministry of Culture. After this, the public is just waiting for proof that the construction of the hospital is proceeding without disturbing Kuto Besak Fort.
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