The History of Indonesia National Gallery Building

In 1817, G.C. Van Rijck built an Indische Woonhuis by material taken from the remains Batavia Kasteel in Medan Merdeka timur No.14, Central Jakarta which was called Koningsplein Cost No. 14 in which the National Gallery Building of Indonesia, nowadays, is located in.

Furthermore, the building was a part of education building which was established by Yayasan Kristen Carpentier Alting Stiching (CAS) by authority Ordo Van Vrijmetselaren by priest D.S Albertus Samuel Carpentier Alting (1837-1935).

This building has Dutch Colonial Architecture which particularly was used as ladies dormitory, as the first education of a business in Hindia Belanda.

In 1955, the government of Indonesia Republic forbade every activity of Dutch people and Colonial administration , and then the building and management system activities was given to Yayasan Raden Shaleh which continued CAS activities and remained under the auspices of Vrijmetselaren Lorge.

Based on decision letter of which issued by the military authorities at the time, No. 5 / 1962, and signed by president Soekarnoe. The movement of Vrijmetselaren Lorge was banned and the Yayasan Raden Shaleh disbanded totally.

The schools and the equipment’s were taken over by the Indonesia government and turned over to the Culture and Education department of Indonesia.

In addition, in 1965, at the time of attempted uprising of Indonesia Communism Party which is well known as September, 30. Movement (G 30 S/ PKI), the main building was turned over as the headquarters of Komando kesatuan pemuda dan pelajar (KAPPI) in holding demonstration to demand disbanding of Indonesia Communism Party.

Then, when the security situation already had improved, the building was used as the Infantry 1 Jaya Sakti Brigade headquarters of Tentara nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (TNI/AD) under the Jakarta Raya V Military command area.

Finally, in 1981, based on telegram from the Army chief of staff (kepala staff angkatan darat: KSAD) marked by no.51/1978/1981 and reconfirmed by decision letter of military command of Jakarta Raya V no. SKIP/19 4/1982, the main building was returned to Department of education and culture.

Then, based on decision of the general secretary of department of education and culture no. 126/F/1982, dated February, 28. 1982, the management of the main building transferred to the directorate general of culture.

That building (building A) has been used as exhibition building and is now National Gallery of Indonesia of the central structure.

The history of Indonesia National Gallery Building | The history of establishment of Indonesia national gallery | The activities of Indonesia National Gallery