Kota Tua Lacks ‘Authenticity’, Fails to Make UNESCO Heritage List

Jakarta. MINA — UNESCO’s advisory board has deemed Jakarta’s Kota Tua to be unqualified to join its World Heritage list, arguing that the area is, among other reasons, not ‘unique’, Bernama reported, citing The Jakarta Post..

The board, the France-based International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), said in its report that Kota Tua lacks ‘integrity and authenticity’ as an old town.

Many 20th century architectural developments, described as ‘unsympathetic intrusions’ by ICOMOS, “have irreversibly changed the visual appearance and skyline of Kota Tua.”

UNESCO also raised concerns about future projects, including high-rise developments, the construction of 17 islets via land reclamation in Jakarta Bay, the proposed giant sea wall and the mass rapid transit (MRT) infrastructure.

“Kota Tua is not unique as a harbour city formed by the globalising trade routes of colonial activities as there are many others, including some which have already been inscribed on the World Heritage List.

As such, ICOMOS considers that the justification provided is not appropriate in relation to the serial property proposed,” the report, released last week, said. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)