Palace of Independence
Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
Description:
Independence Palace in central Jakarta is the official residence of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. It is located opposite Merdeka Square and is a national historical monument. This building was built in 1873 in neoclassical style. Here was the residence of the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies. In 1949, the palace received its current name "Merdeka", which means "independence" in Indonesian.
Together with neighboring state buildings, it forms the Presidential Complex, the center of Indonesian executive power. The Palace of Independence is the official venue for state events such as Independence Day ceremonies, meetings of honored guests, the reception of credentials from foreign ambassadors, the solemn opening of national and international congresses and official banquets of the state.
On the lawn in front of the palace there is a luxurious fountain and a flagpole 17 meters high. The annual flag-raising ceremony takes place during Indonesian independence celebrations on August 17.