Friday, 27 March, 2009 | 17:38 WIB
TEMPO Interactive, Bandung: The destruction of old buildings in Braga Street, Bandung, has created concerns among the managers of the Merdeka Building and the Asia – Africa Conference Museum.
The Asia – Africa Conference Museum chief, Isman Pasha, is concerned that if it continues, historic buildings linked with the Asia – Africa conference will disappear. “We can no longer call Bandung the capital of Asia – Africa if its historic buildings continue to be destroyed,” Isman said last Wednesday.
A number of buildings around the Merdeka Building also have historic value as they were visited by the delegations and committees of the 1955 Asia – Africa Conference. Besides the hotels in Asia – Africa Street, Bandung, Pasar Baru as well as in Braga Street are currently being rebuilt.
Based on Tempo’s observation, some businesses in Braga Street have been shut down. There are at least three buildings with the sign “For Sale” in front of them. The buildings are damaged and dirty.
Other sites tht make up the Asia – Africa Conference history are a number of villas in North Bandung. Isman said some presidents stayed there. Artists and conference singers were accommodated by the Surabaya Hotel. He lamented that the regional government is not serious in conserving old buildings located throughout the city. He urged that the buildings be rebuilt by the owners.
ANWAR SISWADI
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