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Central Jakarta architecture

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, stretching across more than 17,000 islands and three time zones. It is a land of incredible diversity, home to the world's largest Buddhist temple at Borobudur and over 700 distinct local languages and dialects.

  • 13Landmarks
  • 1817Oldest · National Gallery of Indonesia
  • 383 mTallest · Autograph Tower (Thamrin Nine)
  • 12Architects

Before you go

  • Fly intoSoekarno-Hatta (CGK)

    The airport's terminals are uniquely designed with traditional Javanese 'Joglo' roofs and lush tropical gardens located between the boarding areas. The newest Terminal 3 is a massive, high-tech facility that showcases contemporary Indonesian art and serves as the hub for the national carrier, Garuda Indonesia.

  • CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (Rp)
  • LanguageIndonesian

    Bahasa Indonesia serves as the unifying language across the thousands of islands in the archipelago. It is a straightforward language with no grammatical gender, making it accessible for visitors to learn basic phrases.

  • Getting aroundTransJakarta & MRT

    TransJakarta is the world's longest Bus Rapid Transit system and utilizes dedicated lanes to avoid the city's heavy traffic. The new Jakarta MRT provides a fast, modern underground alternative for the city's main north-south corridor. The Railink airport train offers a premium, air-conditioned connection between Soekarno-Hatta and the city center.

13 landmarks in Central Jakarta

  1. National Monument (Monas)

    Gambir, Kecamatan Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

    Standing at the center of Merdeka Square, Monas is a 132-meter obelisk that serves as the ultimate symbol of Indonesian independence. The structure is topped with a 14.5-meter bronze flame covered in 50 kilograms of genuine gold foil to represent the eternal spirit of the nation. Its base houses the National History Museum, which features a series of dioramas depicting Indonesia's path to sovereignty. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for a 360-degree view of the sprawling Jakarta skyline. The monument’s philosophy is based on the traditional Lingga and Yoni symbols, representing harmony, fertility, and strength.

    Built
    1975
    Architect
    Frederich Silaban
    Style
    Modernist / Traditionalist
    Height
    132 m (433 ft)
    Stories
    3
    Today
    Monument/Museum

  2. Istiqlal Mosque

    Jl. Taman Wijaya Kusuma, Pasar Baru, Kec. Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10710, Indonesia

    Istiqlal is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia and was built to commemorate Indonesian Independence, as its name literally translates to 'Independence.' The mosque features a massive 45-meter diameter dome, a number chosen to symbolize the year of the nation's 1945 proclamation. It was intentionally situated across from the Jakarta Cathedral to serve as a lasting symbol of religious harmony and tolerance. The interior is characterized by its minimalist stainless steel accents and vast prayer halls that can accommodate over 120,000 worshippers. Its single minaret stands at nearly 67 meters tall, piercing the sky above the historic heart of the capital.

    Built
    1978
    Architect
    Frederich Silaban
    Style
    International Style
    Height
    66 m (217 ft)
    Stories
    5
    Today
    Mosque
  3. Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout)
    Photo: Medelam, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Bundaran HI (Hotel Indonesia Roundabout)

    Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10310, Indonesia

    Bundaran HI serves as the urban heart of Jakarta and is the site of the city's most famous traffic circle and fountain. At its center stands the 'Welcome Monument' (Monumen Selamat Datang), which was originally designed to greet international athletes for the 1962 Asian Games. The area is flanked by the historic Hotel Indonesia, the first five-star hotel in the country and a masterpiece of mid-century modernism. Today, the roundabout is surrounded by some of Indonesia’s most prestigious shopping malls and high-end commercial towers. It remains the focal point for national celebrations, protests, and the city's weekly car-free day events.

    Built
    1962
    Architect
    Abel Sorensen (Hotel) / Edhi Sunarso (Statue)
    Style
    International Style Modernism
    Height
    30 m (98 ft)
    Stories
    15
    Today
    Civic Landmark / Luxury Hotel
  4. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater)
    Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Theater)

    Jl. Gedung Kesenian No.1, Pasar Baru, Kec. Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10710, Indonesia

    This beautiful Neo-Renaissance theater was constructed during the Dutch colonial era and was originally known as the 'Schouwburg.' It is one of the oldest heritage buildings in Jakarta and has served as a cultural lighthouse for performing arts for over two centuries. The architecture features classic high-arched windows and an ornate interior designed for optimal acoustics during orchestral performances. Following several renovations, the theater now hosts a variety of modern plays, traditional dances, and international concerts. Its white-washed facade remains a striking example of 19th-century European influence on the Indonesian urban landscape.

    Built
    1821
    Architect
    J.C. Schultze
    Style
    Neo-Renaissance
    Height
    15 m (49 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Concert Hall / Performing Arts Center
  5. Autograph Tower (Thamrin Nine)
    Photo: Etrie17, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Autograph Tower (Thamrin Nine)

    Jl. M.H. Thamrin No.10, Kb. Melati, Kec. Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10230, Indonesia

    The Autograph Tower is a record-breaking skyscraper that stands as the tallest building in Indonesia and the Southern Hemisphere. Part of the Thamrin Nine complex, this 'Superfane' structure reaches a staggering height of 383 meters. The building features a sky-garden and an observation deck that offers unparalleled views of the Java Sea and the city. Its architectural design focuses on sustainability, having achieved a BCA Green Mark Platinum rating for its energy-efficient glass and water systems. As a mixed-use hub, it integrates luxury offices, the Waldorf Astoria hotel, and high-end retail spaces into one vertical city.

    Built
    2022
    Architect
    Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
    Style
    Contemporary / Post-Modern
    Height
    383 m (1,257 ft)
    Stories
    75
    Today
    Mixed-use / Observation Deck
  6. Jakarta Cathedral
    Photo: Rantemario, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

    Jakarta Cathedral

    Jl. Katedral No.7, Pasar Baru, Kec. Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10710, Indonesia

    The Jakarta Cathedral is a stunning example of Neo-Gothic architecture and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Jakarta. Its most recognizable features are the three massive iron spires that reach toward the sky, along with a beautiful, intricate rose window. The current structure was inaugurated in 1901 after the original 19th-century church collapsed due to structural failures. Its placement directly across from the Istiqlal Mosque is a deliberate and world-famous symbol of Indonesia's 'Unity in Diversity' motto. Inside, the cathedral houses a museum that chronicles the history of Catholicism in the Indonesian archipelago.

    Built
    1901
    Architect
    Marius Hulswit
    Style
    Neo-Gothic
    Height
    60 m (197 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Cathedral

  7. National Museum (Gedung Gajah)

    Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No.12, Gambir, Kec. Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

    Known affectionately as the 'Elephant Building,' this site earned its nickname from the bronze elephant statue gifted by King Chulalongkorn of Siam in 1871. It is the oldest and most comprehensive museum in Indonesia, housing over 140,000 artifacts from across the islands. The architecture is a blend of Neoclassical and Indische Empire styles, featuring a majestic courtyard surrounded by Greek-inspired columns. The museum’s collection includes ancient Hindu-Buddhist statuary, traditional textiles, and a vast array of ethnographic treasures. Recent modern wings have been added to expand the exhibition space for the nation's growing archaeological discoveries.

    Built
    1862
    Architect
    JHP de Bruyn
    Style
    Neoclassical / Indische Empire
    Height
    20 m (66 ft)
    Stories
    4
    Today
    National Museum

  8. Indosat Building (Gedung Indosat)

    Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No.17, Gambir, Kec. Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

    The Indosat Building was one of Jakarta’s first modern skyscrapers to masterfully blend high-tech corporate design with local cultural identity. The most striking feature is its tiered crown, which was inspired by the 'Kuncungan' roofs found in traditional Javanese palace architecture. This architectural choice makes it a distinct and beloved silhouette within the Monas-area skyline. The building functions as a primary telecommunications hub, housing the advanced infrastructure required for the nation’s digital connectivity. It stands as a testament to the 1980s era of Indonesian architecture which sought to modernize without losing ethnic heritage.

    Built
    1980
    Architect
    Unknown (Local Firm)
    Style
    International Style / Javanese Accents
    Height
    110 m (361 ft)
    Stories
    25
    Today
    Telecommunications Headquarters

  9. The Hermitage (Gedung Telepon)

    Jl. Cilacap No.1, Menteng, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10310, Indonesia

    Located in the elite Menteng district, this boutique hotel was originally a Dutch colonial telecommunications building known as the 'Telefoonkantoor.' The structure has been meticulously restored to preserve its original Art Deco charm, including its soaring high ceilings and arched windows. The renovation successfully integrated a modern residential tower while keeping the heritage facade as the primary entrance. It offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of 1920s Jakarta through its period-accurate interior design and antique furnishings. The building is now considered one of the finest examples of colonial adaptive reuse in the entire city.

    Built
    1923
    Architect
    J.F.L. Blankenberg
    Style
    Art Deco / Dutch Colonial
    Height
    35 m (115 ft)
    Stories
    9
    Today
    Luxury Boutique Hotel

  10. National Library of Indonesia

    Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No.11, Gambir, Kec. Gambir, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10110, Indonesia

    Reaching a height of 126 meters, this 24-story facility is officially recognized as the tallest library building in the world. The design features a dramatic four-story 'bookcase' in the lobby that immediately greets visitors with the scale of Indonesia's literary history. Its top floor houses a panoramic executive lounge that provides what many consider the best view of the National Monument. The building employs green building technologies and a high-tech automated system for retrieving its millions of physical volumes. It serves as a modern community hub, offering specialized floors for children, the elderly, and researchers alike.

    Built
    2017
    Architect
    Unknown (Local Consortium)
    Style
    Modern Glass High-rise
    Height
    126 m (413 ft)
    Stories
    24
    Today
    National Library / Research Center

  11. Pos Bloc (Gedung Filateli)

    Jl. Pos No.2, Ps. Baru, Kec. Sawah Besar, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10710, Indonesia

    Pos Bloc is a brilliant example of adaptive reuse, transforming the former 'Weltevreden Postkantoor' into a vibrant creative public space. The building’s architecture is characterized by its Tuscan-style columns and a magnificent semi-circular stained glass window above the main hall. Inside, the original high-ceiling ventilation and triangular iron pillars have been preserved to maintain the 1913 industrial aesthetic. It now serves as a community hub hosting local artisan brands, art exhibitions, and live musical performances. The site successfully bridges Jakarta's colonial history with the needs of the modern, creative urban youth.

    Built
    1913
    Architect
    J. van Hoytema
    Style
    Art Deco / Dutch Colonial
    Height
    18 m (59 ft)
    Stories
    2
    Today
    Creative Hub / Cultural Space

  12. iBox Apple Premium Partner (Plaza Indonesia)

    Plaza Indonesia, Level 3, Jl. M.H. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Gondangdia, Kec. Menteng, Kota Jakarta Pusat, DKI Jakarta 10350, Indonesia

    Situated within Jakarta’s most prestigious luxury mall, this store represents the highest level of Apple’s retail partnership in Indonesia. The design strictly follows Apple’s global aesthetic, featuring an open floor plan with minimalist white surfaces and light wood 'Avenue' displays. Large glass windows offer views of the historic Bundaran HI roundabout, grounding the global brand in a local context. The space includes a specialized area for 'Experience Days,' where certified trainers lead workshops for creative professionals and students. It acts as a flagship technology landmark for the capital, combining high-end retail with technical education.

    Built
    2023
    Architect
    Erajaya Group / Apple Retail Design Concept
    Style
    Minimalist Modern
    Height
    5 m (16 ft)
    Stories
    1
    Today
    Premium Tech Retail / Training Center

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