Here stands Gedung Fakultas A. It whispers tales of transformation, education, and resilience. This building is part of Universitas Negeri Jakarta UNJ. UNJ has a rich history rooted in teacher education.
Let’s step back to a time before UNJ. The Faculty of Teacher Training and Education FKIP was once part of the University of Indonesia UI. FKIP UI eventually separated. It became the Institute of Teacher Training and Education IKIP Jakarta on May 16, 1964. This date marks the founding of Universitas Negeri Jakarta. In 1999, IKIP Jakarta transformed into Universitas Negeri Jakarta. It expanded its academic offerings beyond education.
As UNJ evolved, its older buildings became important landmarks. Some students view the older buildings on Campus A negatively. They think the classrooms are too small. They think their appearance and condition are poor.
However, these buildings hold stories. Alumni recall several old buildings. These include Gedung Daksinapati, BAAK, Gedung Sarnawitha, Gedung G, and the Faculty of Social Sciences building. Gedung Sarnawitha once stood beside the Nurul Irfan Mosque as a mere framework. Now, it has been rebuilt into a new structure. Among these, Gedung Daksinapati is the oldest. It is located on Campus A. This building is specifically for students of the Faculty of Education.
Gedung Daksinapati has a complex architectural design. Its layout includes many classrooms. Staircases are scattered across the right, left, front, and back wings of the building. Despite being the oldest building, Gedung Daksinapati has never undergone a complete renovation. The original architecture remains largely intact. Some rooms have been repurposed. New rooms were added in certain areas. The Pendopo FIP on the first floor once served as a prayer room. Now, the FIP prayer room has its own space on the third floor.
Even the bathrooms have changed. They used to be large, dirty, and dark. A bathroom attendant was there to prevent unwanted incidents. Due to these poor conditions, the bathrooms were renovated.
The building is known for its mystical stories. Its age and largely unchanged design contribute to its mystique. According to a 2009 student, strange things happened in the bathrooms on the second and third floors. This was before the renovations. Cleaning staff arrive around 7:30 AM. They leave by 4:00 PM. They feel uneasy working before 7:00 AM or after Maghrib evening prayer. They feel disturbed.
Despite negative stories, Gedung Daksinapati carries a lot of history. It symbolizes UNJ’s role in Indonesian education. Gedung Fakultas A stands as a reminder of UNJ’s long journey. It also reminds of Indonesia’s educational past. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history embedded in its walls.