AkzoNobel‘s color and coatings expertise is playing a major role in restoring the historic Kota Tua (old town) area of Jakarta in Indonesia. It’s hoped that the partnership – established as part of the company’s Human Cities initiative – will help the site to secure UNESCO World Heritage status.

The restoration work – which will include repainting the Jakarta History Museum – is scheduled to be carried out in two phases and will also extend to other parts of the city.

Regarded as an important cultural and historical icon, Kota Tua dates back to the 16th century and is home to several landmark buildings. It’s currently in the running to be Indonesia’s ninth site on the UNESCO World Heritage list, with a final decision expected in mid-2017.

“We are honored to have partnered with the Government of Jakarta to help restore these iconic landmarks, which represent the city’s living history,” said Jeremy Rowe, Managing Director of AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints business in South East and South Asia and Middle East.

“Our Human Cities initiative is designed to help cities become more liveable and inspiring and preserving and protecting cultural heritage is an integral part of that. The work we are doing in Kota Tua is a great example of what we are trying to achieve and is one of many Human Cities projects we are committed to supporting around the world.”

Added Governor of Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnam: “With AkzoNobel’s partnership, the community will now be better able to appreciate the beauty and cultural heritage of Kota Tua. We would also welcome more corporate organizations joining us in order to restore and raise awareness for Kota Tua’s rich history.”

The first phase of the restoration project will include repainting Jakarta History Museum (Museum Fatahillah), Museum Seni Rupa and the Kota Intan bridge. In addition, 50 trash bins made from recycled Dulux paint drums will be placed at other museums in Kota Tua. Phase two will include the restoration of Museum Bahari and Museum Wayang, while shelters, bridges and flyovers in other parts of Jakarta will also be repainted.

Commenting on the partnership, Jun de Dios, Director of AkzoNobel Decorative Paints Indonesia, said: “We cannot move forward without understanding and celebrating our past, so it’s significant that these landmarks in Kota Tua will be repainted in their original colors. We’re honored to be involved in preserving and celebrating Jakarta’s cultural heritage.”

He added that as a mark of respect to the heritage of Kota Tua, 100 AkzoNobel employees will be involved in helping to restore Museum Fatahillah.
The UNESCO World Heritage list is composed of sites deemed to have special cultural or physical significance. The list currently consists of more than 1,000 properties from over 160 countries.