Picture this a grand mansion standing proudly amidst Jakarta’s concrete jungle. This is Candra Naya a hidden gem whispering tales of a bygone era. Candra Naya was once home to Major Khouw Kim An the last Major of the Chinese in Batavia. He led his community during the Dutch colonial period from 1910 to 1918 and again from 1927 to 1942. The building itself is estimated to have been built around 1807 or 1867. It’s a testament to the architectural blend of Chinese and European styles.
Khouw Kim An inherited Candra Naya from his father Khouw Tjeng Tjoan a man who reportedly had fourteen wives and twenty-four children. The house reflects this large family with many rooms for all. Khouw Kim An was not just a leader he was also a successful entrepreneur and a shareholder of Bataviaasche Bank. Sadly he was arrested during the Japanese occupation in 1942 and died in a concentration camp in 1945.
After the war Candra Naya was inherited by his family. In the 1960s it became home to the Sin Ming Hui Association. This organization provided crucial social services. It ran a medical clinic a sports center and even a school. The Sin Ming Hui Photographic Society the oldest in Jakarta was also based here. Candra Naya even hosted many high-society weddings in the 1960s and 70s.
The name Candra Naya replaced the original Chinese name Sin Ming Hui after the ban on three-syllable names. It translates to ‘new light’. Sadly not all of Candra Naya survived. In 1993 the back buildings were demolished to make way for the Green Central City superblock. This sparked protests from heritage groups. However the main building thankfully remains.
Today Candra Naya stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a popular spot for a relaxing afternoon. The courtyard with its pond and fountain is a peaceful oasis. The legacy of Candra Naya lives on. The medical clinic became the foundation for hospitals such as Sumber Waras and Husada. Candra Naya school evolved into Tarumanegara University. Candra Naya stands as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Jakarta a place where history and modernity meet. So take your time explore this unique site and soak in the stories it holds.