According to the president and Wishnutama Kusubandio, the minister of tourism and creative economy, the Old Town area, is relatively better, but it will be buzzing with programs from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in Semarang, Central Java, on Monday.
He noted that the Small, Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Center Building in the Old Town area will serve as a hub for creative activities, including those centered on the creative economy initiated by the tourism and creative economy minister.
"Some street furniture that is still incomplete may perhaps be added again. As suggested by Minister Wishnutama, there will be more street lights, which are the yellow lights. The goal is to add more dramatic flair," he stated.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing will install pumps, so that Semarang's Old Town can become safer and be protected from getting submerged.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had earlier urged the regional government for the Old Town area to conduct extensive activities that support the creative industry.
President Jokowi stated that the Semarang Old Town area was restored optimally and can serve as a new icon in Semarang to attract tourists.
He urged the community to care and maintain cultural heritage buildings in the region.
President Jokowi also stated that other cities in Indonesia can emulate the revitalization conducted in the Old Town area in Semarang.
The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing is conducting the construction of the Phase I Semarang Old Town Area project. The restructuring program took place from 2017 to 2019.
An area spanning 22 hectares was built to increase tourist visits to the location.
For further improvements, utility networks, including electric cables, fiber optics, telephones, and drinking water pipes, are buried underground along with drainage networks.
Two retention ponds, including the Berok Pond and Bubakan, were also built to reduce the likelihood of puddles forming in the area. Related news: President Jokowi boards bike to visit Semarang's Old Town
Related news: Multisensory room opened at Semarang International Airport
Translator: Aji Cakti/Aria Cindyara
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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