The Kali Besar revitalization project in Kota Tua, West Jakarta, has finished, and the area is now open to the public.

“We want the citizens to be able to enjoy it this weekend. It has all been opened – please come visit!” said Jakarta Deputy Governor Sandiaga Uno on Friday, as quoted by kompas.com.

Sandiaga explained that the revitalization of Kali Besar had, in fact, been completed at the end of last year. He did not want its opening to pushed back any further, since he expected the place to be one of Jakarta’s tourist highlights, especially in view of the Asian Games, which are to take place from Aug. 18 through Sept. 2.

“I have to consider the risks of opening [this place to the public], since we have been waiting since October for this project to be completed. Before opening, it takes a long time [for cooperation] between the agencies in charge to verify [its safety],” Sandiaga said.

Sandiaga said he hoped Kali Besar would have a positive impact on the Taman Intan shopping and culinary park on Jl. Cengkeh, Pinangsia, which is known as a quiet part of Kota Tua. He expressed his hope that the opening of Kali Besar would help boost tourism into the area.

The 600-meter stretch of the Krukut River along Jl. Kali Besar Timur and Jl. Kali Besar Barat in West Jakarta has received a facelift inspired by the Cheonggyecheon creek area in Seoul, with the Krukat cleaned up and the riverbanks turned into a public park. (acr)

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