Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that he would meet with the central government to discuss President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to build a 40-storey Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia or MUI) building on the grounds of the former British Embassy, which has been designated a Cultural Heritage Site since 2016.
The Governor emphasised that cultural heritage status is an important aspect that cannot be ignored in any development plans in the area. The Jakarta Provincial Government, in principle, supports every policy adopted by the President. However, this support remains within the confines of applicable regulations and procedures.
“As we all know, the former British Embassy has been listed as a cultural heritage site since 2016. This matter must be resolved, and we will discuss it with the central government, the Jakarta administration and related agencies,” Anung said in Central Jakarta on Tuesday, 10th of February.
The Indonesian Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, stated that the new MUI building will be built from scratch, with existing buildings not being used. The government is still calculating the budget for the construction. Meanwhile, the new MUI building is currently in the design phase.
“Not yet, the figures [budget] are not yet available. It’s [still] in the design process,” Hadi explained on Tuesday as well.
Previously, Subianto had announced the construction of a new MUI building and other Islamic institutions while attending the National Conference and the Inauguration of the MUI Board at the Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta last Saturday (7th of February). In his remarks, Subianto emphasised his commitment to strengthening the role of Islamic scholars and religious institutions.
“As President of the Republic of Indonesia, I have provided approximately 4,000 square metres of land in front of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout for buildings for the MUI and for Islamic institutions such as the National Zakat Agency and other institutions,” the President said.