Merdeka Palace, Presidential palace at Medan Merdeka Utara Street, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Merdeka Palace is a neoclassical palace complex in Jakarta that spans a large estate with grand columns, classical architectural details, and manicured gardens. The structure stands beside the National Monument and serves as the government's administrative and ceremonial center today.
The palace was built in 1879 during Dutch colonial rule and originally served as the Governor-General's residence. After independence in 1945, it was transformed into the seat of the Indonesian presidency.
The palace contains halls like Ruang Kredensial for receiving dignitaries and Ruang Resepsi where state banquets take place alongside traditional performances. These rooms show how the nation conducts formal ceremonies and diplomatic meetings.
The palace holds monthly guard changing ceremonies that typically occur on the last Sunday and can be watched from outside. Visits to the interior require advance permission since the building remains an active government workplace.
A ceremonial flagpole within the palace grounds holds special significance as it marks where the first Indonesian flag was raised, a moment of deep historical importance. This flagpole is used each year during Independence Day celebrations on August 17.
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