Breadfruit (malangkota.go.id) – To enhance the ties of friendship and explore the richness of cultural heritage in Malang City, Acting Mayor of Malang Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM visited the Office of the Great Council of the East Javanese Christian Church (GKJW) on Jl. S. Supriadi, Sukun, Malang City, Sunday (12/5/2024). In this place, the number one person in the Malang City Government environment saw firsthand the buildings and green open spaces that are still well maintained and cared for.
Acting Mayor of Malang said that the visit to GKJW Sukun, which is thick with colonial nuances, was aimed at seeing firsthand the condition of this cultural heritage building that is full of historical value. He said that the GKJW Sukun building is well maintained, which can be seen from its rooms, to the tables, chairs and equipment that have maintained their authenticity to this day. According to him, the green open space is also very good and well maintained.
"I do refuse to forget the legacy of the past. That's why we visited here to see the history of this building. Then also to retrace the activities of the former President of the Republic of Indonesia (the late) Gus Dur when he taught Islamology here in 1974-1981. This is important to do to preserve and re-familiarize ourselves with the history of the past," he explained.
On this occasion, the Acting Mayor of Malang who was present with the relevant regional apparatus also had the opportunity to review SD YPPK Ngaglik, HIPPAM which has been utilized by 260 heads of families, and to see firsthand the activities of the waste bank around MA GKJW Sukun.
On behalf of the Malang City Government, Wahyu did not forget to express his gratitude and appreciation because the preservation of GKJW Sukun is still well maintained. Moreover, the cultural heritage buildings that have been standing since 1927 and some have even been standing since 1843 have maintained their authenticity.
Chairman of the GKJW Sukun Grand Council, Reverend Natael Hermawan Prianto, said he was very grateful and thankful that the Acting Mayor of Malang was willing to visit. "Simply put, we are preserving what is the heritage of the nation, and this place has an extraordinary wealth of heritage. This is a source of pride," said Natael.
He said, historically this place is also a place to maintain the diversity of Indonesia from Malang City. "The history of Gus Dur who once taught in this place for seven years taught tolerance and diversity. This place is also where Gus Dur taught, and his resting room at that time," he concluded. (cah/yon)
