The incident, which affected part of the Tegalsari Police Station site, has drawn serious attention from the city government, which has acted to preserve the site’s historical and functional value.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi here on Friday explained that the city has coordinated with a team of cultural heritage experts to ensure the restoration process follows preservation guidelines and procedures.
“We have met with the cultural heritage team. The reconstruction will be based on their recommendations,” he said.
He continued explaining that the officially registered heritage structure is the bunker located at the rear of the site, not the front building that was damaged during the unrest.
However, he emphasized that the front area also holds historical value as a site that reflects the struggle for independence.
“The front building is not (registered as cultural heritage), but the site itself is about struggles,” he noted.
He ensured that all restoration steps will be carried out carefully. The structure listed as cultural heritage will retain its original form.
Meanwhile, for sections not registered as heritage, the development plan will follow the cultural experts’ recommendations.
“If a building is a designated heritage site, it must be preserved. But for non-heritage structures like the front building, we must first obtain input from the team,” he added.
He also stressed that cultural heritage experts are the right ones to determine the appropriate restoration process and design.
“We will continue coordinating and discussing further with the police,” he concluded.
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Translator: Indra, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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