TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Senior archaeologist in the National Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB), Junus Satrio Atmodjo, opined that the MRT Jakarta Phase 2 construction project would possibly erase a lot of historical data of the city. Thus, he underlined that cultural heritage found during the construction must be protected.

“That is our job on how to record all the data and convey it to the Jakarta administration to be used as historical objects,” said Junus in a online discussion on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.

Previously, a number of artifacts were discovered during excavations at 14 points on Jalan MH Thamrin and the National Monument (Monas) area. They were pottery, bottles, shards of ceramics, metal, and human bones. Besides, the phase 2 construction of the urban train also passes through several cultural heritage buildings.

The senior archaeologist argued that the historical objects could be exhibited, either temporarily or permanently, around the MRT stations. He hoped the train passengers will be able to see and study the history of the capital city, especially the cultural heritage found during the project construction.

Therefore, PT MRT Jakarta reportedly planned to build visitor centers in two MRT stations in Monas and Kota Tua. Several small-size cultural heritage items will be exhibited there.

The visitor center will also exhibit the latest information regarding the Phase 2 construction of the MRT Jakarta. Through the center, Junus went on, the Jakarta-owned firm could publish the historical background of the findings that the public needs to know. “This is a cultural responsibility,” he said.

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LANI DIANA WIJAYA