RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Jakarta Provincial Administration is moving forward with an ambitious plan to merge the historic Kota Tua and Glodok Chinatown into a unified tourism powerhouse. This strategic integration aims to rival renowned international heritage sites such as Melaka in Malaysia.

As reported by Antara, West Jakarta Mayor, Iin Mutmainnah, emphasized that the cultural depth and heritage of Glodok Chinatown make it an indispensable partner to the iconic Kota Tua area. She expressed her belief that both locations should be integrated under a single management umbrella to maximize their potential.

"Glodok Chinatown tourism will become an integral part of Kota Tua due to its significant cultural and heritage aspects. These elements will be developed by the Jakarta Provincial Administration through the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency and the Cultural Agency," said Iin in Jakarta on Wednesday, January 22, 2026.

She highlighted that the area offers a unique sensory experience, ranging from traditional culinary delights to authentic souvenirs. This variety positions it as a premier destination for cultural literacy and education for visitors from both within and outside the capital.

The integration is expected to capitalize on the massive daily foot traffic in Kota Tua, which sees nearly 2.5 million commuters and tourists passing via Transjakarta, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), and Commuter Line networks.

While Kota Tua serves as the primary tourism hub, the administration envisions Glodok as a complementary hospitality zone. The plan involves leveraging Glodok's existing network of hostels and inns to accommodate the expected surge of visitors.

"Conceptually, the relevant agencies will present the details, but we will ensure that tourism in Kota Tua and Glodok Chinatown makes the public feel more comfortable and offers an even better experience," added Iin.

However, the path to creating a seamless world-class destination faces logistical hurdles, most notably the long-standing issue of illegal parking. Deputy Governor Rano Karno, affectionately known as Bang Doel, identified the eradication of illegal parking as the primary challenge to the integration's success.

He expressed belief that a well-organized, clutter-free environment could eventually see Glodok surpass international competitors like Melaka in Malaysia. Despite this optimism, Rano noted that the revitalization will be executed in measured stages, focusing first on the further development of Kota Tua before expanding the full scale of the transformation into the heart of Glodok. ***