"(The project discussion) has been completed and for the budget as well," Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka stated after meeting the ministry representatives at Pracima Tuin here Tuesday.
Following the deliberation with the ministry, the municipal authority will shortly discuss the revitalization process with the Surakarta's palace or Keraton, he remarked.
The matter of utmost urgency currently is to secure the ministry's commitment to the revitalization work, he stressed while adding that the revitalization might only be partial, as he seeks to complete it this year.
While not divulging details of the areas prioritized for revitalization, the Surakarta Sunanate's side has received the planned revitalization concept, including the report of the earlier assessment of the complex structure, Raka remarked.
The mayor said he would seek approval from the Surakarta Susuhunan (King) Pakubuwono XIII before allowing the revitalization work to proceed.
"I must get the approval from the royal family, but in principle, I and the ministry are ready. The budget has been readied for this year, and (the renovation) will be gradual, same as for the Mangkunegaran," Raka explained while referring to the earlier restoration of Pura Mangkunegaran, the residence of the Duke of Mangkunegara.
He noted that the revitalization budget is expected to surpass Rp10 billion (US$640 thousand), considering the Surakarta Keraton's status as a cultural heritage.
Earlier, member of the Surakarta Sunanate royalty Gusti Kanjeng Ratu Wandansari expressed optimism that revitalization of the Keraton would proceed promptly. She also urged the municipal authority to set up a working team to plan the revitalization.
"If permissible, (the team should consist of) sons and daughters of His Majesty Pakubuwono XII and XIII, and duties of each member must be assigned. His Majesty indeed will lead the team, as the instruction must be synchronized, and we will rectify any errors," she remarked.
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Translator: Aris Wasita, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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