Chiayi is an antique city carrying 300 years of history and we hope those ancient historical items in it can not only be memorized but also serve the token of architect preservation that hands down the ideas about the cultural aspects and daily living style at that time. The Old Chiayi Prison is located in Chiayi but is subordinate to The Ministry of Justice. As for the issue of preservation, the role of Chiayi City Hall regarding to the issue, and its future expectation, we interview the vice-executive of the Culture Affairs Bureau of Chiayi, Mr. Fun.
（We took picture with Fang Cian-ru）
（picture source：photo by this team）
Ｑ：As for the historical spots, how would you like to" advertise" it?
Ａ：Each historical spot has to undergo a process of registration, assessment, then research, and finally the step of recondition. It is a fairly long procedure. Our role and goal is to assist and to plan for activities for that historic spot. If we, The Culture Affairs Bureau of Chiayi , are the supervisory organization of that specific unit (spot), it will be easier for us to have an overall control and clearer integrity.
Ｑ：How would you like to popularize the historical spot preservation plan?
Ａ：" Sightseeing in Chiayi" will be the future focus for us to advertize this historical city; therefore, historical spots touring plays a significant role in the entire project. We hope to revitalize the ancient spots and unite different dimensions s together, such as school clubs, community development, and also the very special " Historical Spots Day." Recently, to echo the Historical Spots Day, we have published the historical spots booklets and design certain visiting routes. Historical spots around Bei-Men (the ancient train station) are the core right now for the entire sightseeing activity. Yet, some historical spots are not subordinate to us like the above-mentioned station and The Old Chiayi Prison. Sometimes, the control over them is limited and obstacles appear.
Q：When facing the conflict between historical spot preservation and urban development, how would you respond to it or solve it?
A：Historical preservation is always the priority. However, if the spot or building should be pulled down someday, we still have to cooperate with the city hall's final decision. All we can do is to bridge the gap between the public opinion and the decision from our superiors. It is always a dilemma.
Ｑ：What is The Museum of Prison Politics subordinate to especially in the aspect of its running and management?
Ａ：The Old Chiayi Prison is subordinate to the Ministry of Justice. The resources and capability of the Ministry are both far more prevailing than Chiayi City. Meanwhile, sightseeing is right now Chiayi's top priority. We are now very concerned about the rate of the progress, because with the continuous establishment of The Museum of Prison Politics, we hope we can try our best to protect the spot (building) itself.
（Interviews with Fang Cian-ru）
（picture source：photo by this team）
Ｑ：What's your opinion about the Old Chiayi Prison？
Ａ：As for the Old Chiayi Prison,I am much touched by the efforts made by those experts in
cultural history. It's worth more praise to make the citizens in Chiayi City to understand
the Old Chiayi Prison by holding activities than by protesting. It's can make the government
receive this way and let the citizens have a chance to visit the Old Chiayi Prison. The influence
on the future of Chiayi City is inestimable if we combineit with it with the civil commercial
resources. Besides the static education of law and order advanced in the future,to experience
in person is another important part. The accomplishment of repaining the main buildings is one
thing;The reuse after renovations is anouther big challenge.
（Interviews with Fang Cian-ru）
（picture source：photo by this team）
Ｑ：Are there any protests nowadays？
Ａ：the sound of protests fade away little by little after it became the national historical monument.
It needs more efforts and expenses to preserve the Old Chiayi Prison for remaining more history memory.
Though the Old Chiayi Prison was the only Japanese style prison remained in Taiwan.
Ｑ：In your opinion,what are the advantages and disadvantages of the Old Chiayi Prison？
Ａ：It's the only and the most precious Japanese Style prison under Japanese rule in Taiwan.
The fan-shaped structure is very unique. Its wide range from the buildings to the exhibition
help advocate the tourism and entertainment. The disadvantages:the government pays less attention
to it became it belongs to the Ministry of Justice. We also hope to repair the dormitory nearby.
It would be more complete and more expected that way. Thus,this historic monument can advance
the development of Chiayi's sightseeing. In the future,I hope the management of the Old Chiayi
Prison can be separated from the other apoutment and it also can be reused after renovations.
The management of the Chiayi Prison can be self-contained,but the prison museum should be open
to the citizens. If some professional experts can be responsible for the affairs while repairing
it,I think the future development of the "Prison Museum" is worth expecting.
