JAKARTA – President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to house Muslim organizations in a former British Embassy compound has sparked debate over the preservation of Jakarta’s architectural heritage, even as the administration seeks to balance religious institutional needs with cultural protection regulations.
The proposal, initially revealed during the inauguration of the new board of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) at the Istiqlal Mosque on Saturday, envisions a 40-story building near the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle (Bundaran HI) to serve as a central hub for MUI and other Islamic institutions, including the National Alms Agency (Baznas), the Indonesian Waqf Board, and the Haj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). “At Bundaran HI, there should not only be luxurious hotels and malls, but there will be a building to house Muslim institutions,” Prabowo stated, according to reports.
Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Nusron Wahid, who also holds a high-ranking position within MUI, specified that the project would repurpose the former British Embassy compound, a 4,000-square-meter plot. The four-story embassy building, designed by British architect Eric Bedford and completed in 1962, has remained vacant since the embassy relocated to Patra Kuningan in South Jakarta in 2013.
The building’s status as a Class B heritage site, designated by the Jakarta administration in 2016, introduces complexities to the plan. Class B designation signifies buildings over 50 years old with originality, rarity, landmark value, and architectural significance, prohibiting demolition. The 2010 Cultural Heritage Law mandates approval from local administrations or the Culture Ministry for any development or adaptive reuse, requiring preservation of original characteristics and facade.
Teguh Aryanto, head of the Indonesian Architect Association (IAI) Jakarta chapter, emphasized the importance of upholding the building’s protected status. “It also features iconic architecture, representing a distinctive modern design from the 1960s,” Aryanto said on Tuesday. He argued that any construction should undergo a thorough assessment by heritage conservation experts and suggested building additional structures behind the original building without compromising its integrity. “The government’s prestige in this matter will be measured by how well it adheres to its own regulations,” he added.
Urban expert Yayat Supriatna of Trisakti University suggested repurposing the building for office space could be permissible if it continues to serve a governmental function, aligning with the Cultural Heritage Law’s allowance for functional changes with approval from heritage conservation teams and adherence to local zoning regulations.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung affirmed support for Prabowo’s plan, stating the administration would proceed in accordance with applicable regulations while respecting the President’s directive.
The proposal follows a February 3rd meeting between Prabowo and representatives from Muslim organizations, including MUI, to discuss Indonesia’s involvement in the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza reconstruction. The MUI had previously criticized the decision, citing concerns about its alignment with Indonesia’s longstanding support for the Palestinian cause. But, following the meeting, MUI chair Anwar Iskandar indicated a shift in position, stating Prabowo demonstrated a commitment to supporting Palestine while safeguarding Indonesia’s national security interests through participation in the board.
As of Wednesday, the Jakarta Culture Agency had not issued a comment on the proposed development.
