If civilization is a plant, then culture is both the roots and the flower. Even so, many still consider culture as merely decorative, failing to grasp its expansive impact in shaping a free, creative, and prosperous society. Many others consider culture as something from the distant past, only to be preserved on a pedestal within a museum. Yet, culture is far from staticit is a living force that continuously evolves, shaping identities, values, and ways of life. Recognizing this dynamic role, Indonesia is equipped with the law on cultural advancement (UU No. 5/2017), which states that the state must protect, develop, utilize, foster, and preserve Indonesias cultural heritage and diversity.
Through this legal framework, culture can be positioned as the heart of developmentone that champions creativity, inclusivity, and collective resonance while also generating economic value. In urban contexts, this vision finds its expression through creative urban renewal, an approach that integrates cultural identity into the process of city-making. Rather than treating renewal as mere physical redevelopment, creative urban renewal reimagines public spaces, historical sites, and community hubs as living platforms for cultural expression and innovation. It bridges tradition and modernity, revives local craftsmanship and creative industries, and fosters a sense of belonging among residents. By embedding culture into the fabric of urban planning, cities can grow not just in infrastructure, but in soul.
For M Bloc Design Week, Hilmar Farid will discuss the importance of implementing a strategic creative urban renewal program within the context of Jakarta. What is the grand vision behind this initiative? How will the Jakarta Government embed culture in the citys journey toward its half-century anniversary in 2027? What challenges lie ahead, and how can they be addressed? These questions and insights will be explored in the JalinLecture session at M Bloc Design Week 2025.
