Gedung A

Gazing up at the imposing Gedung A, one might imagine the grand palace Governor-General Daendels envisioned. Here stands Gedung A, also known as the A.A. Maramis Building. It serves as the headquarters of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance. Gedung A has a rich history, stretching back to the early 19th century. Originally intended as the governor-general’s palace, its story took a different turn. In 1809, Governor-General Daendels ordered its construction. He wanted to move the government from the decaying Old Town to Weltevreden. Bricks from the old Batavia Castle and city walls were used. The grand design, by J.C. Schultze, reflected the French Empire Style. It featured a two-story main building and two wings for administration and guests. There were even stables for 120 horses and carriage houses. Ironically, Daendels never lived in the palace he commissioned. Napoleon summoned him to Europe. Construction halted with the British invasion of Java in 1811. The unfinished palace stood for 15 years. Then, in 1826, Governor-General du Bus de Gisignies revived the project. Not as a palace, but as a home for government offices. It was completed in 1828 under Ir. J. Tromp. A plaque, “MDCCIX – Condidit Daendels, MDCCCXXVIII – Erexit DUBUS,” commemorates its completion. You can find this plaque today at the Jakarta Cathedral. Gedung A housed the post office, state printing office, and even the high court. It ultimately became too small for its intended purpose. A new palace, Paleis te Koningsplein, was built in 1873. In the early 1950s, Gedung A became the headquarters of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance. It was renamed in honor of Alexander Andries Maramis, Indonesia’s second Minister of Finance. From a governor’s palace to government offices to the Ministry of Finance, Gedung A stands as a testament to Indonesia’s ever-evolving history.