Revival of Medan Heritage Tourism, PUPR Ministry Completes Revitalization of Kesavan Old Town Area

VIVA – The tourism sector is one of the important sectors that plays a major role in promoting the region’s economy. To support this, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has completed the revitalization of the old Kesavan area in Medan, North Sumatra.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that the availability of adequate infrastructure will accelerate the development of tourist destinations.

“For tourism, it is first necessary to renew the infrastructure, then to widely promote services and new activities. If this is not in place, tourists will come once and never come back. This is what we really need to protect,” said Minister Basuki.

The establishment of the old Kesavan City area by the Directorate of Residential Area Development through the General Directorate of Human Settlements of the North Sumatra Regional Infrastructure Center (BPPW) started on July 8, 2022 and was completed on November 29, 2023 with a budget of IDR 93.3 billion.

Cipta Karta CEO Diana Kusumastuti explained the scope of work to revive the industry.

“The revitalization of the old town of Kesavan includes the creation of footpaths, landscaping, replacement of road surfaces, lighting, drainage channels and the construction of integrated sewerage (SJUT),” said Diana.

The Kesavan area now has a new face, combining historical elements with the comfort of modern facilities.

The establishment of this area is an effort to restore Kesavan’s reputation as a commercial and cultural centre in Medan, as well as to create a more orderly and comfortable environment for the community and tourists.

Kesavan is one of the oldest areas in Medan, known as the centre of economic activity between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There are a number of historic buildings that reflect important signs of past glory. For example, the Warenhuis building is Medan’s first shopping mall. Then, the London Sumatra building, which previously served as the offices of a British plantation company, has now been restored as part of this revitalization project.

“The revitalization of Kesavan not only focuses on improving the physical building, but also on developing sustainable cultural and economic programs. “Cooking festivals, art exhibitions and public events will be part of the regular agenda in this area, providing a space for interaction and enjoyment for the community and tourists, bringing out the rich culture of Medan,” said Wahu Kusususanto, director of residential development.

With the completion of this revitalization, it is expected that the old town area of ​​Kesavan can become a landmark of the tourist heritage of Medan City. It demonstrates how the synergy between historical preservation and modernization development can create a competitive and sustainable public space.