The Sunda Kelapa Harbor, once the catalyst for the rise of Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, now stands in a state of neglect, felt by the personnel who reside and work there. Once a bustling center of economy, it has now become a mere shadow of its former self, a tourist attraction of sampan rides that now sees few visitors. The sampan workers have turned to other pursuits, such as warehouse and fish market jobs in North Jakarta.

The design for the Sunda Kelapa Maritime Culture Center aims to revive the harbor's existence, by introducing the culture of the sea to the public and providing an educational platform for the maritime workers. The hope is to bring back the glory days of Sunda Kelapa Harbor.