Prior to 2003, many travelers fear of crossing in front of Kuto Besak, Palembang because it is very vulnerable at night. But now, this is the place to experience the river Musi.
This fort was called Fort Sea appear as close to the River Musi. People Palembang river is called as ‘sea’. First, Sea Fortress is prone area especially at night. It often happens hold-up, the streets were muddy and smelly garbage.
Atmosphere is also the same in the Museum of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, the People’s Struggle Monument (Monpera), and Taman Nusa Indah located at the base of the bridge. In fact, the place is commonly used as a hangout and transgender sex workers.
“Anyway, once very uncomfortable,” said Mang Din, a trader of food around Kuto Besak, Sunday (10/02/2013).
Now the creepy atmosphere is almost imperceptibly longer. The front of the castle ‘transformed’ into Plasa Kuto Besak.
On the left side there is a dock, berthing place a number of river cruises and tourist boats that can be climbed. On the right side there is a restaurant that serves a variety of typical food of Palembang.
In this Besak Plasa Kuto, almost every afternoon until evening, Palembang residents and tourists gather together. They can enjoy a variety of activities and settlements along the Musi River, including the bridge. Each evening, a variety of youth activities performed either sports or sit and enjoy the atmosphere in the afternoon.
Almost every month, Plasa Kuto Besak used various parties to conduct social activities. Musical performances, culinary bazaar, bazaar cheap clothes, until a political activity.
Mayor of Palembang, Eddy Santana Putra once said Plasa Kuto Besak is a public space that can be rented for free. The user activities are great enough to pay cleanliness.
The potential of the Musi River is a great attraction. By creating an open space on the banks of the Musi River, travelers will be more easy and comfortable to enjoy the river.
Not only that, the rim 10 to 7 Ulu Ulu also transformed into a more tidy. The public rooms were available to every citizen and tourists.
Under the bridge that used to be full of street vendors, both in Seberang Ulu and Seberang Ilir, has become more neat and beautiful. It is also felt by residents of Palembang itself.
“I look forward to the front of the tourist city of Palembang be worth a visit. Moreover, Palembang has many historical sites and the Kingdom of Sriwijaya Palembang Darussalam Sultanate,” said Amir Hamzah Sopril, residents of Jakarta.