Jakarta, Aug. 29 -- Culture Minister Fadli Zon has encouraged the preservation of Blenduk Church, also known as GPIB Immanuel Church, in the Old City area of Semarang, Central Java, as a living heritage site.

In an official statement received here on Saturday, Zon expressed hope that the building would remain well maintained and continue to be used by the congregation so that its historical value and social function remain alive.

"Hopefully, this building will also be well maintained and become a living heritage, and continue to be used every week by the congregation at Blenduk Church," he said.

Blenduk Church was built in 1753 and renovated in 1895. The building still retains its colonial architectural style, including its distinctive...