Discover Jakarta
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 Museum Nasional Indonesia: Jakarta’s Institution of Culture & History
Standing regally on the western edge of Jakarta’s Merdeka Square, Museum Nasional Indonesia is an institution of immense cultural and historical significance. Established in 1868, it is the country’s oldest and largest museum, often referred to as “Museum Gajah” or the “Elephant Building” due to the bronze elephant statue gifted by King Chulalongkorn of Thailand
Guide to Istana Merdeka: Indonesia’s Presidential Palace in Jakarta
Driving down Jalan Merdeka Utama, it is impossible not to catch a glimpse of Indonesia’s presidential palace, Istana Merdeka, commanding and elegant. All in white, with its grand colonnaded façade and towering archway wings, it is a marvellous display of neoclassical architecture, boasting 30 rooms and halls. As such, it makes for a fitting residence
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.
Books and Beyond: A Reader’s Guide to Jakarta’s Independent Bookstores
Jakarta is home to a diverse range of independent bookstores catering to readers with differing tastes and preferences — from foreign language titles and best sellers to second-hand books and niche genres. The result is a contrasting literary scene where legendary bookstores have stood against the test of time to thrive alongside their emerging peers
Celebrating Love, Intellectualism, and Democracy at Wisma Habibie and Ainun
The home of Indonesia’s third president, known affectionately as B.J. Habibie, is now open to the public. Named Wisma Habibie and Ainun (WHA), Jakarta’s newest historical landmark showcases the legacy of the former president and his wife Ainun, who immortalized the values of love, intellectualism, and democracy through their life’s journey together. NOW! Jakarta had
Roti Buaya: A Symbol of Loyalty
In the traditional Betawi wedding ceremony, it’s mandatory for the prospective groom to bring roti buaya (crocodile-shaped breads) to the prospective bride as a symbol of everlasting love and marital fidelity. The existence of this symbol was influenced by Batavia’s topography and European culture. The Europeans who settled in Batavia (Jakarta) undoubtedly influenced the local
Enter the House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta
Transcending the very notion of a hotel, House of Tugu, Old Town Jakarta invites guests to explore an almost other-wordly realm, defined by timeless artefacts, art pieces and antiques rooted in Jakarta’s own rich history. Standing across the banks of Kali Besar, in the true historical heart of the city, House of Tugu, Old Town
