President Prabowo Instructs to Redevelop GBK Area to Create New Economic Center

Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)-cum-Head of the Danantara Investment Management Board Rosan Roeslani delivers a press statement at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday (6/22). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto, Monday (22/6), summoned Minister of Investment and Downstream Industry/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM)-cum-Head of the Danantara Investment Management Board Rosan Roeslani, along with a number of Red-and-White Cabinet ministers, to the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta. One of the points discussed in the meeting was strategic steps for developing the national tourism sector, including transforming the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) area into a new international-standard Indonesian icon.

The President, Rosan said, ordered to develop the GBK area comprehensively with an integrated system to create a new center of economic growth in Jakarta. Rosan said the development will not only include the revitalization of the Sultan Hotel, but also the redevelopment of the entire GBK area which covers an area of approximately 200 hectares.

“We are going to transform GBK area into a new icon in Indonesia. It will be comprehensively redesigned, not just within the GBK, but also the whole areas, including the golf course. So it covers the GBK area which is approximately 200 hectares,” Rosan said in a statement to the media after the meeting.

He said that the area management could involve several state-owned entities, including InJourney and Meru, after all administrative processes under the coordination of Ministry of State Secretariat are complete. However, Rosan stated that the final concept for the area’s development is still being finalized. He confirmed that the hotel sector will remain a part of the area, although with a more comprehensive approach.

“There will be a hotel, and not only one. But the President orders to transform this area into a new icon for Indonesia. So, this needs a comprehensive plan that will give a real impact on the economy and, most importantly, on the Indonesian people,” he said.

Rosan added that the development of the GBK area also has the potential to strengthen the national sports tourism sector. He said all facilities in the area will be upgraded to meet international standards.

“GBK will still be GBK, but we will improve everything and perfect it to international or world-class standards, so this can also create a new economic center in Jakarta,” he said.

Rosan said further that the development of the GBK area is part of President Prabowo’s directives to promote the tourism sector as a source of new economic growth. The Government, he said, will map and prioritize tourist destinations with great potential for integrated development.

According to him, tourism development should not only focus on increasing the number of tourists, but also on the tourist experience quality and increased tourist spending. “So, we can reach all levels of tourism, from the more mass market to the high-end or experiential tourism,” he said. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/LW)