- Address: Jalan Istana Merdeka No.17-18, RT.2 / RW.3, Gambir, RT.2 / RW.3, Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 761 800004
- Province: Jakarta
- Working time: 24 hours
- Architectural styles: Neoclassical architecture, Palladianism
- Architect: James Bartholomew Drossaers
Traveling in Indonesia promises a lot of interesting and unforgettable impressions, which can be obtained on numerous islands and archipelagos . But you should not lose sight of the capital of the country - Jakarta . There is a huge number of attractions and tourist sites, the main of which is the Palace of Independence, or Presidential.
History of the Palace of Independence in Jakarta
Initially, in the place where the president's residence is now located, in 1804 the mansion of the merchant Jacob Andris van Brahm was built. Then it was also called Rijswijk. After some time, the mansion was bought by the government of the Dutch East India Company, which used it for administrative purposes. By the middle of the XIX century, its territory was already not enough to accommodate the administration, so it was decided to erect a new building.
The construction of the current structure was completed in 1879. During the Japanese occupation, it housed the headquarters of the Japanese garrison. In 1949, Indonesia became an independent state, in honor of which the country's authorities renamed the Rijswijk mansion in Jakarta to the Palace of Independence, or Merdeka.
Use of the Palace of Independence in Jakarta
In the construction of this building, the architect Jacobs Bartolomeo Drosser adhered to the neo-Palladian style of architecture. The modern Palace of Independence in Jakarta is a monumental structure, painted white and decorated with six columns. Inside it there are a lot of halls and offices, the most famous of which are:
- Ruang Kredensal. This hall is decorated with colonial furniture, paintings and ceramic products. It is used mainly for diplomatic events.
- Ruang Gepara. The main decoration of it is carved wooden furniture. In former times, the cabinet was used as the training hall of President Sukarno.
- Ruang Raden Saleh. On the walls you can see pictures of the famous Indonesian artist Raden Saleh. Before, the hall was used as the office and drawing room of the first lady of the country.
- Ruang Reception. This room is considered the largest in the palace, so it is used for national gatherings and cultural events. Here hang a picture of Basuki Abdullah, as well as canvases depicting scenes from the Mahabharata.
- Ruang Bender Pusaka. The hall is used to store the first flag of Indonesia, which was raised in 1945 during the signing of the Indonesian Declaration of Independence.
A fountain is opened in front of the Palace of Independence in Jakarta and a flagpole 17 m high is installed. It is here that every year on August 17 a solemn ceremony of raising the national flag in honor of Independence Day is held . Often, the residence building organizes festive ceremonies with the participation of the president and government officials. Every Sunday at 8 am here you can watch a change of guard of honor.
How to get to the Palace of Independence?
In order to contemplate the beauty and monumentality of this structure, you need to go to the central part of the capital. The Independence Palace is located in the heart of Jakarta - on Liberty Square, almost at the intersection of Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara and Jl. Veteran. In 175 m from it there is a bus stop Supreme Court, to which it is possible to go on a route №939. Less than 300 m is another stop - Monas. It can be reached by buses Nos. 12, 939, AC106, BT01, P125 and R926.