RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The historic heart of Depok in West Java, is poised for a major cultural transformation as the Indonesian Culture Ministry signals its full support for the revitalization of the "Depok Lama" Subdistrict.

Culture Minister Fadli Zon emphasized that the government is prioritizing the restoration of cultural heritage sites across the archipelago. Specifically, the ministry is focusing on accelerating the registration and verification of these landmarks to elevate their status to national heritage sites.

"We support all efforts to revitalize cultural heritage in various cities. There is a need for the acceleration of registration and verification so that these sites can be designated as national cultural heritage," said the Minister in an official statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

This directive comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure that historic buildings, museums, and supporting facilities are managed under a comprehensive and directed development plan.

The Depok Lama area, which has held city-level heritage status since 2021, is a unique cultural landscape featuring structures dating back to the 18th century, including active colonial-era churches and historic bridges. The Subdistrict also encompasses a seven-hectare Great Forest Park (Tahura) and the iconic building known as the "Depok President's House."

Central to the new revitalization proposal is the conversion of the former Harapan Hospital, a Dutch colonial relic currently sitting vacant, into a dedicated museum for Depok’s history and culture.

Depok Mayor Supian Suri expressed optimism that the Ministry’s involvement will bridge the gap between conservation and public utility. "Old Depok has various historic sites, and we want these spaces to be utilized effectively both today and in the future," he remarked, as quoted by Antara.

The Mayor envisions the district evolving into a vibrant cultural hub and a premier destination for historical tourism.

Beyond physical structures, the initiative seeks to safeguard the unique social fabric of the community. This effort includes the "Depok Community," which consists of the twelve original family clans whose lineage remains central to the city's social history.

Furthermore, the government aims to elevate "Lebaran Depok," an annual cultural tradition, into a recognized national agenda. This move is intended to ensure that both tangible and intangible heritage are preserved for the next generation. ***