Reviving Medan as “Parijs van Sumatra”

The Merdeka Square has since long an integrated area with the city hall, post office, train station, banking office, hotels and commercial centers in the Kesawan area, many hailing the city as “Parijs van Sumatra”.

KOMPAS/NIKSON SINAGA

Urban communities enjoy the atmosphere at the Medan Post Office, which is now the Pos Bloc hawker center, in Medan, North Sumatra, Friday (3/2/2023). Pos Bloc is a public space among the ever-growing concrete jungle at the heart of Medan City.

Medan’s downtown area, with its several historical sites, has been revitalized, with public spaces from Kesawan to Merdeka Square lifted to lure in more visitors. "Parijs van Sumatra" is gradually reviving its allure.

Between the concrete buildings of Medan, North Sumatra, newly revitalized public spaces seem have become an ubiquitous sight. There, people find a sense of convenience with amenities ready to pamper them, from coffee shops and food vendors, to scooter and electric bike tours. The historic post office is being turned into a culinary center.