THE NEW FACE OF THE PEKALONGAN DISTRICT SQUARE

Since my childhood, I have officially been a citizen of Pekalongan district. In my memory, since I was a child, there has been no distinct revitalisation of the square as a public space. However, since the corona pandemic was declared endemic and citizens were allowed to have social contact, the economy slowly rose to a new normal, the Pekalongan district government began to stretch with its new programs, one of which was the revitalisation of the new face of Pekalongan square. In the 2022-2023 period, the Pekalongan district government worked hard to beautify this public area. Previously, I apologised for not having a photo of the square before the revitalisation.

However, this time, I would like to show the al quran monument as the new landmark of Pekalongan district.

PEKLAONGAN DISBTRICT SQUARE

Inaugurated in December 2023, Fadia Arafiq as the incumbent regent inaugurated the Koran monument and Kajen square in Pekalongan Regency. Although not 100 per cent finished, the square already looks beautiful and tidy at 70 per cent.

A large signage crosses the front of Kajen square. In front of the signage, a pedestrian is lined up neatly, for visitors to walk or just relax and enjoy the bustling streets of the district.

THE QURAN MONUMENT

Upon entering the main entrance, we are greeted by four bright yellow pillars. This pillar is a picture of a bench supporting the Koran. These four pillars are a gate to the main non-monument. The roof of this gate is closed, so it can be used as a shelter for visitors when it is hot or suddenly raining. However, the four pillars are not big.

After the four pillars, a monument in the shape of a Quran framed by a gold-coloured ring. Underneath it is a pond with a fountain. If you pay attention, the Quran on top rotates slowly, so in every corner of the square wherever you sit, you will definitely see when this book opens towards you. The Surah AlQuran found in this monument is surah Al-Waqiah, it is said that this philosophy is associated with surah Al-Waqiah as the opening surah of fortune. So, analogously as a prayer, may the citizens of Pekalongan district be bestowed with a lot of fortune. Very beautiful.

PARK AND PLAYGROUND

When I chatted with my brother-in-law who works in the district government, he informed me that the Pekalongan district square is the number one largest square in Central Java. Not surprisingly, I saw the entire revitalisation project plan and was impressed with the unfinished result.

In the right-hand corner, there is a park consisting of a jogging track laid out with paving blocks. At certain points on the jogging track there are interesting full-colour ornaments, for example the first one I encountered was a curved roof in the form of a full-colour ornament. This ornament is arranged along about five metres. This spot is also used as a photo spot by visitors.

In addition, at another point there is a similar ornament, only this time it is green. If the full-colour one was in the form of a curved pole, this time, it is heart-shaped. If seen in detail, this heart-shaped arch is covered with synthetic leaves to give a green and fresh impression.

Even though it's synthetic, it seems to be quite successful in terms of "giving a fresh impression". Hahah. However, not only synthetic leaves, in this garden, plants that have just grown and are not yet tall are actually arranged. In the centre of

the sitting room. Maybe in the next 2-3 years, this garden will grow more and more fresh. There are even many newly planted hydrangeas. I can't wait to see this garden become even more beautiful in the future.

As for the playground, it was built with all-yellow floor and equipment. This goes well with the colour of the pillars at the beginning. Sadly, Xanthophobes (people who are phobic of the colour yellow) are not advised to play in this area for their health. What's in this yellow playground?

Swings

Standard playground as usual must have swings. However, there are two types of swings in this playground, chair swings and yellow oval swings. This oval-shaped swing is safer for children who are taller. Or maybe this is the type of swing for adults? While the chair swing is safe for children. Here my two nephews are enjoying the swing.

Futsal court

Not what you'd imagine an adult futsal court to be. This is actually a small futsal court that is used for children to play. The adult futsal court is on the west side and isn't quite finished yet.

Seating

The early arch-shaped seat is made of cement, so it will be sturdy. This seat can also be used for shade from the heat. It only has a capacity for four people.

Monkey Bars and more

There was a monkey bar that wasn't too big in between the children's swings and the curved seating I just described. As for the other two, I really don't know what they are called. I also don't really know the function of that cylindrical cushion-like thing. If the other one is a high seat pole, the seat is not the same. What is certain is that all the tools in the playground are useful for children's motoric nerves.

I guess the story of the walk to see the results of the revitalisation of Kajen Square is finished. The sky was also getting cloudy, so I had to hurry back. Thank you, design and architecture lover for reading my post. Please always support me. Have a great day for all of you.

Titis N

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