Travelling to Jakarta - Jakarta Wonder No. 2

Fatahillah Museum
Text and Photos by Sari Widiati


An impressive, classical-style building, surrounded by several other museums also in classical style, the former City Hall is now a culturally protected historical treasure. The records show that it took three years to build; construction began on 25 January 1707 under Governor General Jan Van Hoorn and was completed on 10 July 1710 by Governor General Abraham Van Riebeeck.

It also served as the Raad Van Justitie (courthouse), as evidenced by the five underground jail cells for those who resisted the Dutch. National heroes once detained here include Pangeran Diponegoro and Untung Suropati. Outside the jail are a statue of the god Hermes and a huge cannon called "Si Jagur".

The Fatahillah Museum is full of historical relics – the antique lamps that were formerly used here, ceramics, teak furniture (mostly from the 18th century), paintings by Raden Saleh and S. Sudjojono, and the sword that was used for beheadings.

In the same building, visitors can also see a display of Jakarta's history from past to present in the Jakarta Historical Museum inaugurated by Governor Ali Sadikin on 30 March 1974.
There's also the Ruangan Prasasti, with information on the culture and kingdoms of Indonesia, containing duplicates of ancient inscriptions and other relics.

The Fatahillah Museum receives many visitors every day, especially on weekends. It's a great place for many sorts of activities, and popular with young people for photography.
Museum Fatahillah is open to the public every day from 09.00 to 17.00.

Museum Fatahillah
Jl. Fatahillah No. 1
West Jakarta