Jakarta Vice Governor Rano Karno officially inaugurated the Si Doel Creative Park located on the banks of Ciliwung River, Jalan Tanggul RT 13/RW 04, Kebon Baru, Tebet, South Jakarta, on Friday (12/5).

This park is the result of an area revitalization carried out by Kebon Baru Urban Village together with local residents. They transformed a 100-square-meter abandoned plot, which used to be filled with illegal shacks and waste, into a park.

Rano admitted that the location on the banks of Ciliwung River was familiar to him because he used to live across the complex, which was prone to flooding.

" We support the revitalization of riverbank areas that involve the community," he asserted.

He hopes the area along Ciliwung River will continue to be improved to become more beautiful, green, and beneficial for residents.

"Tomorrow, medicial plants and fruit-bearing trees will be added to the Si Doel Creative Park," he mentioned.

Rano also stressed the need to shift public perception of rivers, noting that this mindset shift is key to maintain the cleanliness of rivers and their surroundings.

"If we realize this, of course, we won't litter carelessly," he stated.

Kebon Baru Urban Village Head, Mariana, explained that the total land area along the Ciliwung River is 380 square meters, with 100 square meters developed into the Creative Park. The remaining land will later be used to expand the park.

"Hopefully, this park will be useful for the community and make the environment look clean, beautiful, and green," he expressed.