Indonesia's Culture Minister Defends New Presidential Palace Building Amid Heritage Law Concerns

Culture Minister Fadli Zon has defended the construction of a new building on the grounds of Indonesia's Presidential Palace in Jakarta, stating it is necessary due to the frequent lack of space for large-scale events. The minister explained that the government often resorts to erecting tents for forums, including cabinet meetings, highlighting the inadequacy of current facilities.

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Here, we often lack space for, for example, holding large meetings

"Here, we often lack space for, for example, holding large meetings," Fadli said, noting that the new structure could serve as a multipurpose facility. The final decision on its specific use will be made by the State Secretariat and the Cabinet Secretariat. Fadli expressed hope that the building would become a new venue for meetings, emphasizing the current cramped conditions within the palace complex.

However, the construction has drawn criticism from the Indonesian Green Party, which advocates for environmental issues. John Muhammad, a representative of the party, suspects the project violates Law No. 11/2010 on Cultural Heritage. He pointed to satellite imagery suggesting the area was previously a wooded plot and has since become a construction zone.

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Indeed, we lack space. Just look, it's very narrow and small

Muhammad, an architect himself, believes the project may not have met essential legal requirements, such as a feasibility study, expert recommendations, public transparency, and integrated oversight. He stressed that such procedures should be publicly disclosed, and failure to comply could lead to penalties, including imprisonment and fines, as stipulated by the Cultural Heritage Law. The party also suggests that developments within the palace zone should involve legislative bodies and the Jakarta Governor.

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So far, no information has been provided to the public, and failing to meet these requirements could incur punishment