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Jakarta’s oldest high-rise building Sarinah to have new look next year
A renovation project that started in July will transform the historic Sarinah building in Central Jakarta.
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Survivor: The Sarinah Thamrin department store, built in preparation for the 1962 Asian Games, was once the tallest building in Indonesia. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
J
akarta’s first high-rise building, Sarinah, will soon have a new look as it undergoes renovation to stay relevant to modern-day customers.
Sarinah was built in 1962 and inaugurated four years later by Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno. The 15-story building, located in a busy quarter in Thamrin, Central Jakarta, has left fond memories for many. It was the first shopping mall built in the country.
After more than five decades serving as a catalyst for economic growth, state-run retailer PT Sarinah, which manages the building, plans to change its business strategy and turn the department store into a specialty store that caters more to local brands.
Located in the heart of Jakarta, Sarinah is losing its popularity. The country's first high-rise building, it is now dwarfed by taller skyscrapers and has seen a decline in visitors amid tight competition with modern shopping malls.
In order to stay relevant, the building is currently undergoing its first major renovation, which started in July. The project involved around 400 workers and was slated for completion by August next year, said Agung Budi Waskito, president director of state-owned developer PT Wijaya Karya (Wika), the project's contractor.
The project costs Rp 700 billion (US47.3 million) in total.
Sarinah is widely considered a historical building. It is currently in the process of attaining cultural heritage status.
