“The Art, History & Culture of Kota Tua of Jakarta” was an outstanding event hosted by the Indonesian Heritage Society on 21 August 2024. The event took place in the soon-to-be-opened House of Tugu, Kota Tua, granting participants a sneak peak into an extraordinary destination found in the historic heart of the city.
With a shared passion and mission to preserve and celebrate the art, history and culture of Indonesia, the Indonesian Heritage Society and the Tugu Hotels & Restaurants Group extended an invitation to a select group of passionate art and history lovers for a joint discussion on the sustainable development of Kota Tua Jakarta.
The objectives were to start the long process of returning Jakarta to its position as one of the most cultural cities in Asia. Really, there was no better place for this significant discussion to take place. The House of Tugu, a treasure trove of ancient artefacts from Indonesia’s storied past, located opposite Kali Besar, a stone’s throw from Fatahillah Square.
The event doubled as a farewell to H.E. Lambert Grijns, (now former) Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Indonesia, Timor-Leste and ASEAN. As an Indonesian history buff, he has been heavily involved in IHS events, as well as supporting the newly established Menteng Heritage Society. Welcomes and opening remarks were given by Lucienne Anhar from Tugu Hotels and Restaurants, as well as Anya Robertson, President of the Indonesian Heritage Society. A presentation was also given by Remco Vermeulen from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies.
The lucky participants of this IHS event were given an exclusive tour by the Founder of the Tugu Group , Bapak Anhar Setjadibrata. Designed to be not only a hotel but a series of restaurants and bars and coffee shops, House of Tugu Jakarta will be the most exciting hotel to open in Asia this year —or possibly any year. No surprises will be spoiled here, as the hotel is yet to fully reveal its offerings — though the lucky few from this special program by IHS will certainly be sharing their wonder and amazement with friends, slowly spreading the news of this one-of-a-kind hotel ahead of its opening.
In short, this one-of-a-kind destination was created over a process of 15 years to document the stories told by Tugu Group’s family ancestors, from one generation to another, so that these beautiful pieces of history will not disappear with time. The property embodies all the romance and intrigue of the whole history of Jakarta but does so in a dazzling and enthralling way though the display of a literally uncountable array of antiques, art and artefacts throughout the extensive and enchanting property.
For those looking to deepen their relationship with Jakarta and Indonesia, to discover its roots and be part of a community of others in that same pursuit, Indonesian Heritage Society is a great place to start, and can lead to exceptional opportunities to experience Jakarta’s living history as in this event at House of Tugu, Jakarta.
The Indonesian Heritage Society (“IHS”) is a non-profit organisation established in 1970 by Indonesian and expat volunteers, providing support and assistance to Indonesia’s cultural institutions. IHS offers programs to promote the preservation of Indonesian art and cultural heritage. For the curious and the eager, Explorers Programs invite them to experience Jakarta and go on to travel to destinations throughout Indonesia. Educational programs like touring the Museum National, to IHS Evening Lecture at Erasmus Huis, focusing on various subjects related to Indonesian history, culture, environment and art are also available.
For more on IHS follow @indonesianheritagesociety or visit heritagejkt.org
To stay up to date on the hotel opening follow @tuguhotels or visit tuguhotels.com
