While in Indonesia, friends and I had a chance to visit some of the oldest buildings in Jakarta built during the days of Dutch colonialism. Indonesia was known as the
Dutch East Indies in the early 1800s until its independence just after the Second World War.
Fatahillah Square, located near the port on the Java Sea, hosts the first (and still functioning) post office, train station, city hall and other administrative buildings. The Dutch influence is especially evident in this area of the city with the European design of its buildings and furnishings.
Located opposite the old city hall in the town square is
Café Batavia, one of the oldest buildings in Jakarta. According to our tour guide, “It was constructed between 1805 and 1850, and over the years it has served as a residence, warehouse, office, and most recently, restaurant and art gallery.” I particularly enjoyed the upstairs Grand Parlor entirely clad with teak wood then complimented with antique lighting and furnishings. Check out the cow-hide bar...
