Transformations of Vernacular Local Heritage for Creating Historic Public Spaces

Adapting local historic places into historic public places has gained prominence in Indonesia in recent years. Local heritage places can be used as public areas for various purposes, including artistic activities, tourism, and cultural events. This paper examines the transformations of historically significant local heritage public spaces in the Medan Kesawan and Semarang Kota Lama regions, in Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative methodology with a literature survey and direct observation of the research object. Primary data was obtained by conducting direct observations in Medan's Kesawan Area and Semarang's Old Town. Secondary data was obtained from literature. It identified recurring themes, analyzing the data through data reduction, presentation, and conclusion. The findings show that the revitalization of Medan Kesawan and Kota Lama Semarang improves the aesthetics of the city and promote local identity. This revitalization encourages local governments to preserve historic buildings and promote economic developments. Transformations of local identity through Local heritage in both areas have shown the importance of the availability of public space in transforming slum areas into areas with cultural value. Revitalization of Kesawan Medan has focused on the development of residential and culinary infrastructure. In contrast, revitalization of Semarang has focused on preserving historic buildings and developing a tourist area. The government and community have worked together to preserve and revitalize the historic area through a collaborative development model. The community has focused on neighbourhood marketing to attract visitors and enhance cultural identity. Urban renewal in both areas focuses on preserving the character of the areas through changes in accessibility, and building characteristics while strengthening community participation

Aesthetics · Archaeology · Ceremony · Cultural heritage · Cultural heritage management · Geography · Heritage tourism · Local community · Local government · Political science · Sociology · Tourism · Vernacular · Architectural and Urban Studies · Community-based Tourism Development and Sustainability · Cultural and Artistic Studies