Groundbreaking public space

Steadfast Commitment towards Public Space for All Surabaya – Groundbreaking on the construction of Keputih - an ex-waste disposal side of approximately 4.2 ha, on August 11, 2017 was another milestone of work. After series of consultations, the approved participatory design plan was celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony participated by Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, Bernadia I. Tjandradewi; Mayor of Surabaya, Tri Rismaharini, and representative from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing of Indonesia.

From left: Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC, Mayor of Surabaya and representative from the Ministry of Public Works and Housing put the first stone as symbol of the beginning of physical works of Keputih.

“Public space in Keputih is unique. Not only that the facility is to be built on the ex-incinerator site, but also there will be indoor and outdoor public spaces developed to meet the needs of locals. We want to raise awareness amongst the people that public space is not only about open green space,” said Secretary General. She added “This is to be the first of its kind in Indonesia

where ex-incinerator is transformed to public space.” Inclusivity, in order to boost the community’s ownership and sense of belonging, plays major role in the process. The design of public space which is planned to be an icon of the city is developed by local community, a group of professionals, students and lectures of universities and local apparatuses.

“There will be main hall, creative space, water playground, basketball court, food court, outdoor community space, educational gallery, showroom, reading corner, disable friendly toilet, and space for mural,” exposed Mayor Risma.

Public space in Keputih is jointly undertaken by UCLG ASPAC, UN Habitat and Surabaya City Government. First stage of construction is planned to be completed by end of this year.

Surakarta – PUBLIC spaces are entry points for better cities (Towards a New Urban Agenda, UN-Habitat 2014). Highly connected to people-centered development, building public spaces means creating room to include community and accommodate their needs and hopes in relation to city’s development and their personal happiness and well-being. UCLG ASPAC, actively advocating community inclusion for local development, is now supporting local government of Surakarta, in revitalizing a public space promoting local culture - “Gedung Wayang Orang Sriwedari” - a historical puppet theatre building located at the heart of the city.

Secretary General Bernadia I. Tjandradewi delivering remarks on the opening of public space workshop in Surakarta on 21 August 2017. Also present was Mayor of Solo, F.X. Hadi Rudyatmo (right).

Surakarta, also well known as Solo, is one of Indonesia’s popular historical cities. Located next to Yogyakarta, Solo has been attracting 4.3 millions (2016) of tourists every year with a variety of festivals and activities held every month. The Puppet Theatre Building of Sriwedari has been the icon of the City for over hundred years. Not all knows that Sriwedari was previously used exclusively by royal families and only later on it was opened for public. The dilapidated condition of the building and its surrounding has been a big concern.

In a bid to bring back the energy and character of this significant infrastructure to the attention of public, especially young generations, the City Government has decided to revitalize this icon of Solo. UCLG ASPAC started the revitalization process through “Public Space Collaborative Design,” providing its first participatory design in the whole city. The Workshop held from August 21 to 30, 2017 was opened by Mayor F.X. Hadi Rudyatmo of Surakarta and Secretary General of UCLG ASPAC. In his remarks, Mayor Rudy commended the collaboration and explained the importance of revitalization process that does not leave traditional values nor undermines culture.

“I am happy that everyone present here can be part of the historical moment of redesigning an extremely valuable asset of Solo. How we can conserve this important culture and be relevant today and future ages is one of various challenges that we need to accommodate in our discussions,” said Secretary General Bernadia. Series of workshops are being held with participation of various stakeholders including representatives of the royal families.

Participants showed their excitement for the beginning of the workshop as it would nurture their creativity and used for the betterment of the city.