Istana Merdeka

Istana Merdeka is a palace complex in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. At first there was only one building in this complex, the Istana Negara. The Istana Negara was started in 1796, when Pieter Gerardus van Overstraten became Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, and was finished in Johannes Siberg's era in 1804. The Istana was actually built for the Dutch businessman, J A van Braam, as his retreat residence. At that time the location of the Istana, which now known as Harmoni, was the most exclusive location in New Batavia, (Jakarta).

In 1820, this mansion was rented and then in 1821, sold to the Dutch Colonial Government. The government used this building as the center of all its activities and as the official residence of the Governor-General when they had business in Batavia. The Governors at that time preferred to live in Istana Bogor, because the weather was not as hot as in Batavia. But sometimes they had to go to Batavia, especially to attend the Hindia Council Meeting, every Wednesday.

The Van Braam’s mansion was chosen because Istana Daendels (now Departemen Keuangan) in Lapangan Banteng (formerly known as Waterloo) was not finished yet. But after the Daendles finished, that building was used for the government office.

In the Colonial era, a few important events happened in this building that has the official name, Hotel van den Gouverneur-Generaal. For example, this building witnessed the Governor Graaf van den Bosch declare the cultuur stelsel system. And then, the ratification ceremony of the Lingarjati Treaty on March 25, 1947.

In the beginning, this 3.375 m² Greek architecture building had two stories. But in 1848, the upper floor was demolished, and the lower floor was made bigger for making a more formal impression. Now the building is still the same.

Because this palace started to feel too crowded, with the instruction of J.W. van Lansberge in 1873, a new palace was built in the complex, which known as Istana Gambir. The new palace, in the beginning of Republic Indonesia’s independence, witnessed the ratification ceremony of claiming of declaration of Independence of Indonesia from the Dutch in 1949.

In that sentimental ceremony the Dutch Royal flag was substitutes with Indonesian Red and White flag. Hundred thousands of people were in tears when the flag rose into the sky. When the flag reached the top, all the tears became new spirit. They all yelled “Merdeka! Merdeka!”. From that moment, Istana Gambir has been known as Istana Merdeka.

One day after the ceremony, President Sukarno and his family arrived from Yogyakarta and for the first time stay at Istana Merdeka. The first Independence Day annual ceremony was held in the Istana Meredeka in 1950.

Since the Dutch Colonial rule, Japanese Invasion and Indonesian Republic, more than 20 heads of state and governments have already used the Istana Merdeka as the official residence and central of government activities.

As the central of the state’s activities, now the Istana Negara is the venue for official state events, such as the Independence Day ceremony, welcoming the state’s guests, receiving the Letter of Credence from foreign ambassadors, installation of ministers, ambassadors, the opening of national meetings, national and international congress and official state banquet.

The Istana Merdeka has a several rooms such as, First Chamber, Residential Chamber, Guest Room, Banquet Room, Reception Hall, Regalia Room, Office, Bed Chamber, Living Room, and Kitchen.

After Soekarno, the presidents no longer use the Istana as the official residence but only used the office until President Abdurrahman Wahid and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

ee also

* Istana Negara
* Istana Bogor
* Istana Wakil Presiden