Penelehhistory.com: Surabaya (7/6/24) – The euphoria of the revitalization of the Old (European) City of Surabaya is not yet complete and is even getting sexier. Its activities have attracted public attention and discussion, from the concept to the implementation of the revitalization. This is still not a concept, where will the revitalization of the Old City of Surabaya be taken in the future.
We hope that the public needs to know so that they can take part in making use of the space in the Old City of Surabaya through their creativity, both physical and non-physical.
The Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, has often said on various occasions that the success of the development of the city of Surabaya is not solely due to the Mayor. But also because of the role of society.
The community can play an active role if they know what they have to do. They can work and play a role if they are educated about what the Old (European) City of Surabaya is. Don’t let them continue to be spectators from the revitalization process to post-revitalization.
There should also be no judgment from the public regarding the revitalization process which is deemed inappropriate and even violates statutory regulations. Understandably, there are people who are professionals in the field of cultural heritage. There are even ordinary and common people who actually understand the rules.
“We are here, trading, and not allowed to damage cultural heritage buildings. We comply with that. But instead, this revitalization has actually filled up part of the cultural heritage building,” said one of the fresh plant sellers, who trades at the former bus stop on Jalan Jembatan Merah.
Still on Jalan Jembatan Merah, BPBD Task Force officers painted the Singa Building white. Even though there are parts of the building that are red. This building is very rare. Designed by world-class Modern Architect, HP Berlage. The only work in Surabaya, two in Indonesia, is currently receiving attention from world architects in Europe. His work opened the eyes of world architects. This work in Surabaya became part of Berlage’s life.
To appreciate this, a group of European architects commemorate the 100th anniversary of Berlage’s arrival in the Dutch East Indies, including Surabaya in 1923. Berlage, based on a newspaper source published at that time, once gave a lecture at the Surabaya City Hall building to young architects, including Citroen, when he was designing the Gubeng Bridge. Citroen was the architect of the Surabaya City government.
HP Berlage and his works both in Indonesia and in the Netherlands are very monumental. The construction of the Gedung Singa in Surabaya in 1901 coincided with the construction of the Beurs van Berlage Building in Amsterdam.
Because of the importance of the Gedung Singa in the world of world architecture, a group of Berlage observers and activists commemorate Berlage’s arrival in Surabaya (Indonesia) by publishing a book about 100 years of Berlage’s presence in the Dutch East Indies.
Shortly, the Building in the revitalization process is painted white, including the exposed brick structure on parts of the building made of granite and terrazzo. When the Singa Building was built in 1901, it was already a modern masterpiece. Namely works from the 20th century. While others were still works from the 19th century. The difference is clear.
The public, especially architects and cultural heritage activists, understands that. They regret the revitalization practice which treats the Singa Building less than it should.
Has the practice of revitalizing the Old City on Jalan Jembatan Merah Surabaya informed the Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB) for technical direction in repairing Cultural Heritage Buildings?
Other up-to-date information regarding heirs, who will repair the graves of family or relatives at the Peneleh European Cemetery, must receive a recommendation from the Surabaya City TACB.
The latest news also came from the Berlage Team in the Archipelago in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, that a book about Berlage entitled “Mijn Indische Reis” in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Berlage’s visit to the Dutch East Indies and Surabaya will soon be launched in Amsterdam in June 2024. (nan)