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 for the leader of the fourth largest country in the world.
Translating to ‘Freedom Palace’, Istana Merdeka speaks volumes of just how significant the concept of independence is to modern Indonesia. Rather than attribute the building to the country’s leader, as is more commonly seen, this chosen title democratises the palace as a symbol of freedom, important to all.
It harkens back to the day Indonesia’s sovereignty was officially recognised by the Dutch: 27 December 1949. The palace was witness to this historic moment, when Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX, representing ‘The Republic of the United States of Indonesia,’ and A.H.J. Lovink, High Representative of the Crown in Indonesia, signed the document that announced to the world that Indonesia was indeed a free nation.
Outside, on the palace grounds, the Dutch flag was lowered and the red-and-white sang saka flag of Indonesia was raised. All around the national anthem was sung, and the gathered mass yelled ‘Freedom, Freedom, Freedom’, ‘Meredeka, Merdeka, Merdeka!’ Thus, the palace was named Istana Merdeka.
Albeit somewhat ironic, there is some poetic justice in the leader of the Republic of Indonesia taking office and/or residence in a Dutch colonial building. Built between 1873-1879, the palace was originally made for the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, first known as Paleis te Koningsplein (King’s Square), and later named Gambir Palace, after the gambir flowers that grew nearby. It was estimated that roughly 289,250 Netherlands Indies Guilders was spent to make the building, roughly equivalent to USD 4,500,000 – USD 6,000,000 in today’s value.
The entire Jakarta Presidential Palace Complex is an expansive 6-hectares, and in fact houses another important building, Istana Negara (The State Palace). This was the predecessor to Paleis te Koningsplein, built in 1796, also as the Governor-General’s residence, known as Paleis te Rijswijk. Deemed too small, the larger palace was built. Ironically, the Governor-Generals spent little time in Batavia, preferring the cooler climate afforded in the hillsides of Bogor, at Paleis te Buitenzorg.
Istana Negara, functions as the office and venue for state meetings and banquets, where official receptions, state dinners, and meetings with national and international leaders. It stands at the north side of the presidential complex, facing Jl. Veteran. Meanwhile, Istana Merdeka faces south towards Monas and Merdeka Square (previously Koningsplein) and remains the venue for official celebrations of Indonesia’s Independence Day (17 August).
