The Goethe-Institut Jakarta has reopened its doors to the public after a year-long closure for renovations. As an important cultural centre and a bridge between Germany and Indonesia, the institute continues to bring the two countries closer through cultural exchange, education and language programmes.
The renovation focused on improving the building’s safety standards, particularly its fire safety systems, to ensure a safer environment for visitors, students and staff.
“Over the past year, the Goethe-Institut Jakarta has used the time to renovate its building, with the aim of making it a safer place for our visitors, customers and staff. A particular focus was on significantly improving the fire safety measures. The language courses and exams have already returned on site, and the library has reopened as well. After a year without events at the GoetheHaus, we are especially happy to see this space come alive again—as a place for culture, exchange, creativity and encounter,” said Constanze Michel, Director of Goethe-Institut Indonesien.
To celebrate its reopening, the institute is hosting Opening Week from 31 October to 8 November, featuring 13 events for the public. The programme offers a mix of discussions, film screenings, workshops, music and theatre performances, and exhibitions. It is an invitation for visitors to return to GoetheHaus and enjoy a lively space for culture, creativity and the exchange of ideas.
The Goethe-Institut Jakarta’s Opening Week Highlights:
KarriereKompass 2026 | 31 October 2026, 10 am–5 pm
KarriereKompass 2026 brings together German organisations and official partners to share information about opportunities to live, study and work in Germany. Through presentations, question-and-answer sessions and consultation booths, visitors can speak directly with experts and learn more about the opportunities available and how to get started.
Living Knowledge Lab | 2–30 November 2026
This exhibition features photographs and videos created by young people from Jabodetabek as part of a project exploring sustainability. Looking at issues in their own surroundings, the participants share their observations and experiences through personal visual stories.
Frankfurt School with Dr Simon P. L. Tjahjadi and Dhianita Kusuma Pertiwi | 3 November 2026, 6 pm
This discussion looks at the history and influence of the Frankfurt School, one of the most important intellectual movements of the twentieth century. Also known as the Institute for Social Research, it is widely recognised for its contributions to Critical Theory. Dr Simon Petrus Lili Tjahjadi, Rector of the Driyarkara School of Philosophy, will introduce the movement and its different approaches to critical thought.
‘Fatherland’ with Melani Budianta and Riri Riza | 4 November 2026, 6.30 pm
The special screening of Fatherland explores the meaning of home and German identity through the story of author Thomas Mann (played by Hanns Zischler) and his daughter Erika Mann (played by Sandra Hüller). The film follows Mann’s first return to Germany after the Second World War, during the Cold War. The evening will also feature a discussion with Indonesian cultural figures Prof. Melani Budianta and filmmaker Riri Riza.
A Bite of Berlin | 5–29 November 2026
Artists Sukma Smita and Sigit Darmawan Pratama share their personal experiences of Berlin through this joint exhibition. Using photographs, materials and creative installations, they bring their observations of the city to life and invite visitors to discover Berlin from their point of view.
Alur Bunyi: SIMAKDIALOG | 6 November 2026, 7.30 pm
Music returns to GoetheHaus with Alur Bunyi, featuring SIMAKDIALOG. Known for combining progressive jazz with traditional musical influences, the group returns with a new line-up while keeping its distinctive sound and musical character.
Artist Talk: Between the Mountain and the Sea | 7 November 2026, 2 pm
Artists Mutia Bunga and Ayomi Amindoni, together with Raka Ibrahim and Rassi Narika from Arka Kinari, will lead a discussion on the relationship between the ocean, climate and island communities. The talk will explore how stories of the sea connect with memories of the environment and the lives of people living on islands.
Indonesian Dreams by Haifa Marwan | 7 November 2026, 7 pm
In Indonesian Dreams, Haifa Marwan brings history, memory and the meaning of home to the stage through documentary theatre. Combining storytelling, archival materials, live video and multimedia, the performance offers a fresh way to reflect on how the past shapes the way we see ourselves and our surroundings.
Power to Powder by Riyadhus Shalihin | 8 November 2026, 7 pm
Power to Powder explores the journey of natural resources from mining and extraction to their use in beauty products. Through this work, Riyadhus Shalihin invites visitors to look beyond the finished products and consider the relationship between nature, industry and beauty.
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