go-explore
Car Rental
Slideshow

Merdeka Palace and State Palace

 

It was on the 17th August 1945 at 10 AM, the Proclamation text was read by Indonesia’s first president Soekarno to an exuberant and captivated crowd. Four years later, it was in this very building that Indonesia was finally recognized as an Independent State from the Netherlands, after an agreement was signed between Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX for Indonesia and a representative for the Dutch Crown.

To commemorate this monumental time in Indonesian history, the Merdeka palace celebrates Indonesia’s Independence Day every year on the 17th of August. A prestigious flag raising ceremony is held on the building's front steps and is strictly attended by state and foreign dignitaries.

Today, the Merdeka palace is used for official state events as well as a place of residence for the President of Indonesia.

Situated in the same complex as the Merdeka Palace and surrounded by charming gardens reminiscent of those in Europe, is the Istana Negara (State Palace). This building was the original palace, erected in 1796 during the reign of Governor-General Pieter Gerardus von Overstraten. At the time, the palace functioned as an administrative and residential compound for Dutch Governor-Generals.  At present day, the palace is mainly used for state banquets.

Typical of colonial Dutch architecture, both palaces have front porticos supported by beautifully crafted Corinthian and Doric pillars. Inside the establishments, there are elegant sitting rooms, reception halls and impressively curated Indonesian artworks representative of the plight for freedom fought by the Indonesian people.

Prominent sites of Indonesian history and a tribute to impeccable neo-classical Dutch architecture, these establishments are definitely not to miss.

 

Get Around

Tours inside the Merdeka  Palace are available to public on specified weekends  but have to be booked well in advance.

The two palaces are walking distance from one another.

 

Get There

The Merdeka Palace

Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

The State Palace

Jalan Veteran, no. 17, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta

Operating from 9AM to 7PM on Mondays through Saturdays and 12PM to 7PM on Sundays, a free city tour bus is available departing from the Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and circles Merdeka square and the State Palace.

 

SELECT * FROM [cq:Page] AS s WHERE ISDESCENDANTNODE(s,'/content/indtravelrevamp/sa/en/trip-ideas') AND (s.[jcr:content/cq:tags] like '%indtravelrevamp:destination/area/jakarta%' ) order by [jcr:content/cq:lastModified] DESC

Suggested for You

Card image cap
21 Sep 2023

What to do in Jakarta during Lebaran? Come see our checklist – Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
25 Jul 2023

Unveiling Indonesia's Backpacking Gems

More

Card image cap
12 Jan 2023

5 Exciting Chinese New Year Experiences in and Around Riau Archipelago

More

Card image cap
1 Dec 2022

Disability Friendly Destinations

More

Card image cap
7 Jul 2022

3 Steps to Offset Carbon Footprints for Sustainability

More

Card image cap
13 Apr 2022

How to Use PeduliLindungi App

More

Card image cap
12 Apr 2022

5 Great Things about Jakarta You Have to Experience

More

Card image cap
14 Dec 2021

Celebrates Your New Year’s Eve in These 5 Back-To-Nature Spots!

More

Card image cap
14 Dec 2021

5 Remarkable Churches in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
10 Nov 2021

4 Ways to Enjoy the Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival

More

Card image cap
23 Sep 2021

Inspirational Story: Ancol Dreamland’s Attempt to Innovate and Provide Entertainment During Pandemic

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

Biggest 2019 Sports Event in Indonesia That You Have to Follow

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

ROAD TO ASIAN GAMES 2018: PALEMBANG, Rising Tourism Sport City

More

Card image cap
27 Aug 2021

ROAD TO ASIAN GAMES 2018: PALEMBANG, Rising Tourism Sport City

More

Card image cap
26 Aug 2021

11 Indonesian Speciality Restaurants to Taste before You Leave Jakarta

More

Card image cap
26 Aug 2021

10 Exciting Jakarta Shopping Spree Experiences

More

Card image cap
24 Aug 2021

10 Ways to be Healthier during Your Weekend Holiday in the Heart of Jakarta

More

Card image cap
24 Aug 2021

Travel to Jakarta, shop, eat and explore

More

Card image cap
19 Aug 2021

5 Work-friendly Coffee Shops In Jakarta To Boost Your Productivity

More

Card image cap
9 Jul 2021

Seven Secrets to Making Your Indonesia Holiday A Stellar One - Indonesia.Travel

More

Card image cap
2 Jul 2021

7 Bucket-Worthy Ideas for the Best Cultural Trip in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
22 Jun 2021

Unique Easter Traditions in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
21 Jun 2021

5 Amazing Restaurants for a Festive Chinese New Year Experience in Jakarta

More

Card image cap
11 Jun 2021

Looking for A Historical Trip in Jakarta? These Spots Will Send You Back in Time!

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

5 Unique Business Hotels for Your Successful Stay in Jakarta

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

Museum Macan : Jakarta’s new iconic art space

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

11 New Skills to Learn While You Are Staying in Jakarta!

More

Card image cap
10 Jun 2021

Road to Asian Games 2018: Enjoy Jakarta!

More

Card image cap
9 Jun 2021

4 Ways to Enjoy the Jakarta Fashion and Food Festival

More

Card image cap
28 May 2021

5 Backpacking Trip Ideas that You must Experience in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
16 Dec 2020

4 Unique Fine Dining Restaurants in Jakarta that Will Astound You

More

Card image cap
8 Sep 2020

10 Islands to Plunge into in Jakarta‘s Thousand Islands

More

Card image cap
4 Sep 2020

Celebrate Eid Al-Fitr in Indonesia with These 10 Delicious Foods

More

Card image cap
3 Sep 2020

5 Ideas for Your Passionate Honeymoon in Bandung

More

Card image cap
3 Sep 2020

Explore Jakarta’s Street Food

More

Card image cap
21 Oct 2019

Shop and Dine in Jakarta’s 5 Luxurious High-End Malls

More

Card image cap
17 May 2019

Bargain Shopping In Metropolitan Jakarta

More

Card image cap
17 Dec 2018

5 Best Hotels to Stay for New Year's Eve in Jakarta

More

Card image cap
14 Dec 2018

Spend Your New Year’s Eve in These Six Spots: Jakartan Style!

More

Card image cap
12 Sep 2018

Jakarta: Indonesia’s Capital of Splendors

More

Card image cap
12 Sep 2018

5 Budget Shopping Spots in Bandung that Worth Your Trip!

More

Card image cap
8 Aug 2018

Explore Jakarta Kota Tua: Today’s Old Batavia

More

Card image cap
3 Jul 2018

A Guide for Having An Enjoyable Ramadan Day in Jakarta

More

Card image cap
28 Jun 2018

Cruise around Kota Tua: Old Batavia of Dutch East India Company Heydays

More

Card image cap
22 May 2018

10 Most Unique Mosques in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
27 Mrc 2018

Where-To-Go List to Join The Egg-citing Easter Vibe in Jakarta

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

Easter Tradition in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

Lapis Legit, Indonesia’s Top Traditional Cake: CNN

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

Dining Out in and around BSD City near ICE Convention and Exhibition Hall

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

Best Places To Enjoy Festive Chinese New Year Celebrations in Indonesia

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

Exclusive Special Fine Dining around Jakarta

More

Card image cap
16 Mrc 2018

8 among Jakarta’s Luxurious Hotels to fit your Lifestyle

More

What They Say