TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gregorius Antar Awal or Yori Antar, architect of the Kalijodo green open space (RTH) and child-friendly integrated public space (RPTRA) expressed his wish to make Kalijodo as a tourism icon in Indonesia.
“Kalijodo that was viewed as an area with negative reputation becomes a public space and must be promoted,” Yori said.
The Kalijodo park was inaugurated by Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. Three days after the inauguration, Yori came back to the park. Standing at a bike lane, Yori had a vision that Kalijodo can be an iconic location like the Merlion Park in Singapore or the Manneken Pis in Belgium.
“The Kalijodo green open space also has installation arts by Hanafi Muhammad. It also has other art spaces that make it unique,” Yori added.
Yori revealed that the construction of the park has not been completed yet. Yori explained that there are two more construction stages.
“The second stage is mosque construction, based on public’s request,” Yori added.
In addition, the Krendang River normalization near the new green open space is also included in the second development stage.
For the third stage, Yori said that he would maximize the Kalijodo Park as the driving force of the economy for the surrounding area. Yori revealed that three bridges would be built to connect the park to Jalan Bidara Raya.
“With the bridges, the street across the park (Jalan Bidara Raya) is expected to be a culinary center,” he said.
The 3.4-hectare Kalijodo Park boasts playground for children and an international standard skate park. The park is open for 24 hours for residents.
EGI ADYATAMA
