Lubang Buaya, subdistrict in East Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia
Lubang Buaya is a village in Cipayung district, East Jakarta, now functioning primarily as a memorial site with historical buildings and grounds. The location contains a monument with statues, a museum displaying photographs and artifacts, a pavilion covering an old well, landscaped gardens with pathways and benches for visitors to sit and reflect.
The area was established as a separate village in 1949, carved from Jati Rahayu and formerly part of Kramat Jati. The memorial site was built in 1969 to commemorate a tragic 1965 event during which political upheaval resulted in the deaths of several military leaders.
The name Lubang Buaya means 'Crocodile Hole' in Indonesian, derived from a pond once connected to local stories about crocodiles. Today visitors experience a quiet space where history is honored through monuments and well-maintained gardens that encourage reflection.
The site is open to visitors during daylight hours and is best visited in the morning when temperatures are cooler and the atmosphere is calmer. Travel from central Jakarta is straightforward by car or motorcycle, with parking available at the location.
A striking detail is the old well beneath the pavilion, which played a central role in the 1965 events in a tragic way that remains part of the site's story. Visitors can see this preserved location and understand why this place holds deep meaning for Indonesian history and national reflection.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
