Banjarbaru makes historic building as culture open space

Banjarbaru, Kalsel 10/3 (AntaranewsKalsel) - The Banjarbaru government is ready to make a historic building known as Mess L as a culture open space to be utilized by community.

Mayor Banjarbaru Nadjmi Adhani here on Friday said coordination with relevant parties to discuss the use of the historic building has been done.

"I and deputy mayor together with the Sjamsudin Noor Airbase commander (Danlanud) and relevant agencies in the municipality have discussed it in a joint coordination meeting on Friday (10/3)," he said.

He explained, Mess L has historical value for the growth Banjarbaru in 1950-1960. The building was built by Russians and was used as a dormitory for Air Force soldiers.

However, when political conflict broke-out in Kalimantan in 1965, the Russians went home, while the building was no longer being used, neglected and gave spooky impression.

According to him, the building, which has been neglected for decades, will be utilized as a culture open space or a special place for artists in Banjarbaru.

"In addition to providing a special place for artists and culture, it utilization also to eliminate the eerie impression of the decades-old building," he said.

In principle, he said,  Sjamsudin Noor Airbase as a former owner of the Mess L on a 1.3 hectares of land in Jalan Garuda, responding to the desire.

The positive response has been indicated by the Danlanud to convey the proposal to the Air Force headquarters in Jakarta and Commander of the Air Force Operations Command (Pangkoopsau) in Makassar.

"We will submit a draft petition to the Air Force Headquarters and Pangkoopsau. It is expected that the request be approve soon, so that the area could be re-arranged," he said.