Istana Merdeka, Jakarta, Indonesia

Standing: High
Rank: Rank 197 of 11,061

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Istana Merdeka

Merdeka Palace (Istana Merdeka) is one of seven presidential palaces in Indonesia, on the north side of Merdeka Square in Central Jakarta. Built from 1873 and finished in 1879, the Neo-Palladian building was designed by Jacobus Bartholomeus Drossaers as the residence of the governor-general of the Dutch East Indies. Its name officially changed to Istana Merdeka, meaning Independence Palace, on 28 December 1949. Today it is the venue for state events such as the Independence Day ceremony, welcoming foreign dignitaries, cabinet meetings and state banquets.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

A 17-metre flagpole and a fountain stand on the front lawn. The credential hall at the entrance is where most diplomatic activities take place, such as receiving ambassadors. The Jepara Room, Sukarno's former study, is named after the Central Javanese town that supplied its carved wooden furniture, and the Raden Saleh Room held five paintings by that Indonesian painter. The reception room is the largest in the palace and has two paintings by Basuki Abdullah. The Regalia Room stores the Bendera Pusaka, the first Indonesian flag, raised at the Declaration of Independence on 17 August 1945.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Common questions

When was Merdeka Palace built?

Construction began in 1873 and was finished in 1879.

What does the name Merdeka mean?

Independence: the palace was officially renamed Istana Merdeka on 28 December 1949.

Where is Indonesia's first flag kept?

In the palace's Regalia Room, which stores the Bendera Pusaka raised on 17 August 1945.

Where it is

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Nearby

Within 9 min on foot

1 hr 30 min
8 min walk
Taman Prasasti Museum
- Must see
- Museum
45 min
9 min walk
National Monument of Indonesia
- Must see · Heritage site
- Historic site
1 hour
9 min walk
Merdeka Square
- Must see
- Nature site