The Presidential Staff Office Guards The Revitalization Of Medan Merdeka Square, Which Was Initiated By Bobby Nasution

Merdeka Field Medan/ANTARA

JAKARTA - The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) continues to oversee the acceleration of the revitalization process of Medan Merdeka Square in North Sumatra as a cultural heritage.

This commitment is realized through a two-way dialogue organized by KSP with the Medan City Government (Pemko) and the civil society coalition on Saturday, October 23 in the city of Medan.

"KSP encourages the acceleration of the determination by the City Government, given the high expectations of the people for the Mayor of Medan to immediately realize the plan," said KSP Expert Nuraini Hilir, quoted by Antara, Sunday, October 24.

KSP also hopes that the revitalization of the Medan Merdeka Square and Kesawan Old Town areas will maintain the originality of the building and cultural aspects.

Nuraini appealed for clear communication between the Medan City Government and the community regarding the plan to determine the cultural heritage of Medan City Merdeka Square, so that it is understood and accepted as a shared vision.

"Medan Merdeka Square is not only a symbol of history and culture, but also represents the future of Medan City which is in harmony with the dynamics of the times," said Nuraini.

Therefore, he said, KSP also encourages the Medan City Government to ensure the revitalization plan that has been designed with the concept of green open space (RTH).

Meanwhile, the Medan City Government's efforts to revitalize Merdeka Square are still hampered by the issue of a contract with PT Orange Indonesia Mandiri which will only expire in 2025.

However, according to the Coalition of Civil Society Cares for Medan, the Medan City Government's contract with PT Orange Indonesia Mandiri needs to be reviewed. The reason is, there is already a more binding legal basis related to cultural heritage, including Law Number 5 of 2017 concerning the Advancement of Culture and Law Number 11 of 2010 concerning Cultural Conservation.

Separately, Medan Mayor Bobby Nasution said the revitalization process for Medan Merdeka Square would begin next year.

"We have coordinated with the Ministry of PUPR and the Ministry of ATR/BPN to help fund the revitalization in addition to using the budget from the provincial and city APBD," said Bobby.

Bobby Nasution emphasized that the Medan City Government is committed to continuing to involve the community in preparing the Merdeka Square revitalization master plan.