Jakarta’s Iconic “Kota Tua” Area to Become a Futuristic Heritage Destination by 2029

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – MRT Jakarta plans to revitalize the Kota Tua area by blending heritage elements with a futuristic vibe. Division Head Business Planning and Expansion Division MRT Jakarta, Samuel Ryan Pradipta Pranowo, stated that his division will implement the concept of placemaking to redevelop this iconic area in Jakarta.

Placemaking is an urban planning concept aimed at creating a liveable and loveable environment through emotional connections. After being introduced in the Blok M area, this concept is planned to be implemented in the Kota Tua area.

For the Kota Tua area, Samuel explained that MRT Jakarta will redesign the historic district from Glodok to Little Amsterdam with a modern touch. These contrasting concepts are intentionally blended side by side.

“So it will be a combination of old Jakarta—Chinatown, the Old City, and Glodok—which will still be there, along with the Amsterdam-style elements that remain, but there will also be futuristic elements incorporated. Maybe what today’s youth would call ‘cyberpunk,’ you know. So, there will be elements that are very futuristic and others that are very heritage-oriented—two opposing sides merged into one,” he explained at Wisma Nusantara, Jakarta, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Although it has a modern touch, Samuel affirmed that this project will not lose its inherent historical identity. On the contrary, the placemaking concept in Kota Tua is designed to highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage so that the public can experience its impacts directly.

Not only that, Samuel said Kota Tua is also being developed into a hub for the arts and the film industry through a partnership with the Jakarta Film Committee. This development includes hosting art exhibitions, providing filming locations, and opening new film studios.

“So it’s not just about heritage, there’s a futuristic, modern element, there’s technology, but it’s also about the arts. So there will likely be many art exhibitions there in the future, and perhaps many film shoots in Kota Tua, with movies being made there. Or there might even be many new film studios that could be developed in the Kota Tua area,” Samuel said during a Q&A session.

Samuel said the Kota Tua area is intended to attract history enthusiasts, artists, and members of the film industry. The tech and camera review community is also a target audience, given Glodok’s reputation as the centre of the electronics trade in the city.

“Well, Kota Tua already has its own identity—art—it’s really an artsy place. The theme will likely revolve around art and heritage—people there who are into history, as well as those who love art and film—and they’ll naturally gather there. Or perhaps we’ll revive one of the old concepts—the electronics scene—so gadget reviewers and others might hold their gatherings there,” he mentioned.

In the near future, Jakarta MRT will complete the placemaking project for the extended concourse at Bundaran HI Station, which is targeted for completion before July 2027. This small-scale project will feature an art gallery, commercial areas, and a modern underground MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space.

Meanwhile, the redevelopment of the Thamrin and Monas areas is scheduled to be operational in December 2026, coinciding with the opening of the new station. As for the comprehensive development of the Kota Tua area, it is scheduled for completion in 2029.