Pedestrian restoration in the core area of Jakarta's Old Town: A humanist approach in revitalizing cultural heritage areas

Jakarta Old Town is one of Indonesia's most significant historical urban areas, preserving traces of the nation's colonial and cultural past. However, this area has faced serious challenges in maintaining the quality of its public spaces particularly pedestrian pathways, which serve as vital zones for movement and social interaction. This study aims to formulate a restoration approach for pedestrian pathways in the core area of Jakarta Old Town that goes beyond physical repair and visual aesthetics, by prioritizing human needs and comfort in the design process. Using a qualitative-descriptive method, this research is based on field observations, interviews with key stakeholders, and an analysis of archival documents. The findings reveal that many of the current pedestrian routes fail to support safe, inclusive, and pleasant walking experiences. The lack of supporting infrastructure, minimal aesthetic and shading elements, and vehicular dominance contribute to a degraded spatial experience for pedestrians. Through a humanistic lens, the study proposes restoration strategies that emphasize thermal comfort, universal accessibility, visual legibility, and integration with the area's cultural and economic functions.