The Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia (FTUI) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in the Senate Room, FTUI Dean’s Office Building (21/08). The museum study and building audit of the former Gemeente Bestuur building is a collaboration between FTUI and the Depok City Government as part of the revitalization of the Depok Lama heritage area.
During the forum, the FTUI team presented a preliminary study that proposed a new function for the former Gemeente Bestuur building, to be known as the Depok Museum. Parallel to the study, the FTUI team also conducted an audit of the building to analyse the feasibility of its structure and architectural elements as a basis for the building’s reconstruction process.
The Depok City Museum development plan places the Old Depok area as the centre, with the historic former Gemeente Bestuur building as the main point. In this FGD, it was explained that the Depok City Museum is designed not only as a centre for historical preservation but also as a space for education, public interaction, and strengthening the city’s identity.
According to Mohammad Nanda Widyarta, B.Arch., M.Arch., team member and Lecturer at the Department of Architecture, FTUI, the success of heritage building revitalization lies in the balance between historical value and public benefit. “The Depok City Museum must be a shared space that unites the city’s identity. Reconstruction efforts are not only physical but also involve the historical spirit contained within,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Depok City Development Planning Agency, Dadang Wihana, emphasized the urgency of agreeing on a historical narrative. The Depok Museum is expected to become a learning space as well as a cultural destination that strengthens the city’s character. “We welcome the synergy with FTUI and other stakeholders so that this project can run as expected and have a positive impact on the citizens of Depok,” he said.
The Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of cross-sector synergy. “The preservation of cultural heritage cannot be done alone, but requires the active involvement of various parties. FTUI is committed to providing research-based academic contributions so that the development of this heritage area not only preserves the heritage but also builds the city’s identity and strengthens Depok’s intellectual and cultural appeal in the future,” he said.
This FGD was also attended by representatives from the UI Faculty of Engineering Team, the Depok City Bappeda, the Depok City Housing and Settlement Office, the Depok City Youth, Sports, Culture and Tourism Office, the Development Administration Section, the Junior Expert Policy Analyst Team at the Development Administration Section, the Depok City Regional Acceleration Monitoring Team (TP3D), the Depok City Cultural Heritage Expert Team, and the Cornelis Chastelein Foundation.
***
Public Communications Office
Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia
