Semarang's Old Quarter to Be Refurbished, Turned Into Leading Tourist Destination
Semarang. As part of the Ministry of Tourism's plan to develop Semarang into a Unesco World Heritage site and into one of the leading tourism destinations in Indonesia, officials are in the process of refurbishing cultural heritage buildings in Semarang's old quarter, the ministry said on Sunday (21/05).
Currently, Semarang's old quarter, known as "Little Netherlands," features Dutch colonial architecture including the landmark Lawang Sewu, a massive building that was a railway company's headquarters.
The minsty's goal is to renovate and beautify the old quarter by next year. Infrastructure development such as drainage, electricity and telecommunication are also underway.
The ministry also hopes that it will be classified as a world heritage site, which is a landmark or area that has been officially recognized by Unesco, selected on the basis of having cultural, historical, scientific or some other form of significance.
Semarang's Old Town Management Board (BPK2L), a management board formed by the Semarang municipal government, has set aside Rp 66 billion ($5 million) in 2017 for the development from the regional government funding (APBD).
Fourty Pule trees were also planted in the old quarter.
"This target [will be achieved] after the Semarang administration renovates the road, splitting the Old City area, Jalan Letjend Suprapto, by planting 40 Pule trees," BPK2L chairwoman Hevearita Gunaryanti Rahayu said referring to the Indonesian name for Alstonia trees.
"It is hoped within the first two weeks, the trees will grow leaves, and hopefully, the area will look greener. Tourists will want to stay longer if the roads are green, as we are doing what we can," she said.
In the future, vehicles will no longer be able to drive through Jalan Letjend Suprapto.
One of the visitors, Steve Kusuma, said he was happy that many trees are being planted.
"If it is shady, especially after vehicles are no longer able to pass through Jalan Letjend Suprapto, it will look better, similar to foreign cities with old architecture," he said.
Tags: Keywords: