RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture is supporting efforts to revitalize the historic district of Depok Lama in Depok, aiming to strengthen the preservation of cultural heritage and promote historical tourism. The initiative was discussed during a meeting between the ministry and the Depok city government in Jakarta, Wednesday 4 March 2026.

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, said the government encourages revitalization efforts in heritage areas across the country. He emphasized that protecting historic sites is essential for maintaining cultural identity while expanding their public use.

“We support all efforts to revitalize cultural heritage areas in various cities,” Fadli Zon said. “There needs to be an acceleration in the registration and verification process so these sites can be designated as national cultural heritage.”

The Depok Lama district has been designated as a city-level heritage area since 2021 and contains numerous historical structures. These include an active historic church, a colonial-era bridge, and several buildings dating back to the 18th century.

One of the proposals presented during the meeting involves repurposing the former Harapan Hospital building, a Dutch colonial structure that is currently unused. The site is being considered for redevelopment as a public facility, potentially serving as a museum dedicated to Depok’s history and culture.

The revitalization plan also includes the surrounding landscape, including a seven-hectare forest park area that forms part of the historical environment of Depok Lama. Within the area stands a historic structure known locally as the “President of Depok House,” reflecting the district’s unique historical background.

Supian Suri, Mayor of Depok, said the city hopes the revitalization will transform the area into a center for cultural activities and heritage tourism. “Depok Lama has many historical sites, and we want these spaces to be utilized both today and in the future,” he said.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of preserving the traditions and social heritage of the local community. Among them are the historic Depok community consisting of twelve family lineages of Dutch descent and the annual cultural celebration known as Lebaran Depok, which the city hopes can grow into a nationally recognized cultural event.