Galeri Nasional Indonesia - Art Galleries in Jakarta

Best Art Galleries in Jakarta: Art Spaces, Museums and Galleries

Jakarta’s art scene, contrary to popular belief, is thriving. Over the last decade or so, galleries in Jakarta have been democratised, with art spaces and art fairs encouraging a wider audience to enjoy, appreciate and engage with a diverse array of artists and their works. Annual art events like Art Moments and ART Jakarta have

Istiqlal Mosque: A Symbol of Pluralism in Jakarta

A stone’s throw from Jakarta Cathedral, deliberately placed as a symbol of pluralism, the colossal Istiqlal Mosque (Masjid Istiqlal) matches the magnificence of its predecessors. Built by the post-colonial government, the ‘fervour of independence’ certainly comes through in the design of mosque, much as it did with Monas: visions of buildings exuding symbolism and monumentalism.

Jakarta Cathedral: A Neo-Gothic Masterpiece in Indonesia

A vision of towering spires and intricate stonework, the Jakarta Cathedral, officially named Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Diangkat ke Surga (The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption), is a masterpiece of Neo-Gothic architecture. Completed in 1901, its construction followed almost 70 years after Willemskerk (Immanuel Jakarta), owing to the Netherlands’ allegiance to Protestantism prior

Immanuel Church Jakarta: One of Indonesia’s Oldest Churches

Standing opposite Gambir train station is one of Indonesia’s oldest churches, Immanuel Church Jakarta, built in 1839 during Dutch occupation. Originally it was named Willemskerk, after then-monarch King Willem I of Netherlands, and was thus aptly placed beside what was then called Koningsplein, King’s Square, or Merdeka Square today. The construction of the church was

Monumental Places of Worship: Religious Diversity in Jakarta

A trio of unique but equally astounding places of worship stand on the borders surrounding Merdeka Square, their shared presence symbolic of Indonesia’s mission to uphold religious diversity. The Immanuel Church, Jakarta Cathedral and the Istiqlal Mosque are destinations in their own rights; even for non-worshipping guests, the architecture and history of each of these

Guide to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: Jakarta’s Cultural Theme Park

Located in East Jakarta, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) is a cultural theme park that encapsulates the rich diversity of Indonesia’s heritage. Envisioned by the wife of Suharto, Siti Hartinah (better known as Ibu Tien Suharto), it was inaugurated in April 1975. Taman Mini certainly followed the ethos of President Suharto’s government, one focused on

Guide to Kota Tua & Fatahillah Square: Jakarta’s Historic Centre

Quite literally named ‘Old Town’, Jakarta’s historic centre is found at Kota Tua, where remnants of a colonial past stand as reminders of the city’s past life as the Dutch-run Batavia. At the very heart of Kota Tua is Batavia’s old city hall, an imposing-yet-impressive building that epitomises colonial architecture at the time, in front

Guide to Monas: Indonesia’s National Monument in Jakarta

The heart of Jakarta lies in Medan Merdeka, a sprawling, 75-hectare open square; the third largest in the world. It is an oasis in the very centre of the city, where the parks and fields spread generously across the area, accentuating the plaza’s epic centre piece: Monas, or Monumen Nasional, Indonesia’s towering monolith in honour

Kembang Kelapa: Betawi’s Token of Prosperity

Literally translating to “coconut flower,” kembang kelapa is a classic Betawi decorative element, a symbol of blessings, prosperity, and respect for tradition.  Jakarta residents might frequently encounter this decorative item without knowing its name. Brightly coloured and crafted from paper or other lightweight materials, it is shaped to resemble the blossoming of a coconut flower.

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