Published October 31, 2010 | 
Istana Merdeka ? were Indonesia?s independence was born
In central Jakarta, stands the palace complex of Istana Merdeka. Initially the complex had only one building by the name of Istana Negara, which was constructed in 1796. It was during the time of Pieter Gerardus van Overstraten who became Governor General of the Dutch East Indies. However, it was finished only during Johannes Siberg’s time somewhere in 1804.
Actually constructed for a dutch businessman as a holiday home, the Istana was located in what was then known as Harmoni which was an exclusive location in Jakarta which was then called New Batavia.
The mansion was rented and then sold in 1821 to the Dutch colonial Governement. The government on the other hand placed the comples at thec entre of all its actviities. The complex was also considered as the offcical residence of the Governor General, when business was conducted in Batavia.
This was because the Governor preffered to live in Istana Bogor, due to the weather as it was not as hot in Batavia. But frequent visits were a must especially due to the Hindi Council Meetings that were held there every week.
It was during the Colonial period that this building witnessed important events. At the time it bore the name of Hotel van den Gouverneur-Generaal. It was at this venue that the Lingarjati Treaty was ratified on March 25, 1947.
During 1873 a new palace was constructed as the previous one was becoming too crowded. This new palace was built in within the same complex and Istana Gambir. Here the Indonesia’s independence from the Dutch was declared and the Dutch flag was replaced by the Indonesian red and white flag in 1949. From that instance on ward the complex is called Istana Merdeka. And it was here that the first independece day celebration was held in 1950.
Tourist wandering about Istana Merdeka might want to relax by checking into a Jakarta Hotel such as the Millennium Hotel Sirih Jakarta. This hotel provides easy access to major shopping areas and government offices and is in a central location to the business district of Jakarta.
INDONESIAN CHOIR
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