“Ever wondered where Indonesia’s second-in-command resides and works?” Right here, nestled in the heart of Jakarta, stands the Istana Wakil Presiden Republik Indonesia. This is more than just a building. It is the official residence and office of the Vice President of Indonesia. Currently, Gibran Rakabuming Raka resides here with his family.
Let’s step back in time. The Istana Wakil Presiden wasn’t always the Vice President’s office. Originally, it served as the official residence for the President of De Javasche Bank. This was a financial institution during the Dutch colonial era. The exact year of its construction remains a mystery. However, its architecture speaks volumes about its origins. The building showcases the Indische Woonhuizen style. This style was popular in the 19th century. It is characterized by Doria elements and shield-shaped roofs over the front terraces.
The Istana Wakil Presiden became the Vice President’s office in 1973. Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwana IX and Selo Soemardjan held the positions of Vice President and Secretary of the Vice President then. Before this, after Indonesia’s Independence, Mohammad Hatta, the first Vice President from 1945 to 1956, had his office prepared in Yogyakarta. In December 1949, the office moved to Jakarta. It occupied the former residence of the Dutch Governor-General, Simon Hendrik Spoor. That building is now the headquarters of Garuda Indonesia.
The Istana Wakil Presiden complex consists of two identical buildings. They are Gedung Utama I and Gedung Utama II. Gedung Utama I underwent renovations in 1921. The architecture firm Eduard Cuypers and Marius J. Hulswit handled the project. Sutan Sjahrir also lived here from 1945 to 1947. Gedung Utama II mirrors Gedung Utama I. It was constructed between 1988 and 1993 during Vice President Soedharmono’s term.
The Istana Wakil Presiden stands on Jalan Medan Merdeka Selatan. It is next to the United States Embassy. This location marks its importance in Jakarta’s administrative center.
In a way, the Istana Wakil Presiden is also moving to Nusantara. The groundbreaking for the new Istana Wakil Presiden in Nusantara occurred in August 2024. This symbolizes the decentralization of power and a commitment to a new capital. The new palace in Nusantara is designed with a green, modern, and smart architectural style. It reflects Indonesia’s vision for a sustainable future. The Istana Wakil Presiden in Nusantara includes the Vice President’s office and residence. The residential building is named Huma Betang Umai. This translates to “Mother’s Longhouse” in Dayak language. The design mirrors the traditional Dayak longhouses. It emphasizes communal living and nurturing.
The Istana Wakil Presiden in Jakarta has witnessed many changes. It evolved from a bank president’s residence to the heart of Indonesia’s Vice Presidential operations. So, as you stand here, remember the history. Remember the figures who have shaped Indonesia within these walls. The Istana Wakil Presiden stands as a testament to Indonesia’s past, present, and future.