TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Deputy for Regional Development of the National Development Planning Ministry or Bappenas, Rudy Soeprihadi Prawiradinata, clarified that the design of the new State Palace is still in the initial stage so that the process remains ongoing.

He said that the design of the palace in the new capital city that is inspired by the shape of the Garuda belongs to the Nuart architectural bureau helmed by Nyoman Nuarta. “It is an initial idea that can be deepened and discussed with architectural experts and planners,” Rudy said in a written statement on Thursday, April 1, 2021.

One of the photos of the new place’s design in East Kalimantan went viral on social media and instant messaging platforms. The design resembling the Garuda, Indonesia's national emblem, met with pros and cons.

At least five professional associations for architects criticized the design, viz. the Indonesian Architects Association (IAI), Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI), Indonesian Institute of Urban Designers (IARKI), the Indonesian Society of Landscape Architect (IALI), and Indonesian Association of Urban and Regional Planners (IAP).

As quoted from their written statement, the associations argued that the Garuda-shaped State Palace does not reflect the country’s civilization in the digital era that has progressive vision, in the era of low emission and post Covid-19.

Read: Bappenas: New Capital City Will Be Autonomous Province

CAESAR AKBAR