REPURPOSING ASSETS AS CULTURAL HUB: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This policy brief explores the strategic utilization of Central Government assets in Jakarta as cultural hubs to support the city’s transition from Indonesia’s capital to a global economic and cultural center. With the relocation of the national capital, Jakarta is redefining its role by focusing on enhancing its global city profile through tourism, innovation, and cultural development. Drawing from comparative studies in Paris and Bordeaux, the brief highlights international best practices in repurposing government assets into vibrant cultural spaces. The proposed transformation aligns with Jakarta’s Regional Spatial Plan and supports its goal of attracting international visitors, preserving cultural identity, and fostering inclusive urban development. The study identifies six key characteristics of effective cultural hubs—interdisciplinarity, inclusivity, local-global connectivity, infrastructure, networking, and experimentation—while emphasizing the need for regulatory and spatial planning flexibility. The methodology combines qualitative comparative analysis, field surveys in Paris and Jakarta, and desk research. Findings reveal a significant gap between Jakarta and other global cities in terms of cultural infrastructure and international tourism. Policy recommendations focus on refunctioning potential BMN/BUMN assets, increasing international tourism appeal, and integrating cultural development into urban planning. These efforts aim to strengthen Jakarta’s competitiveness and cultural vibrancy on the global stage.