Candra Naya, Chinese colonial residence in Kota Dua, Indonesia.
Candra Naya is a Chinese colonial residence in Jakarta with traditional architectural features like curved roofs, red lanterns, wooden supports, and decorative moon gates. The main building sits within a modern hotel complex today and displays all the classic elements of this building style.
The house was built in 1807 and served as the seat of the influential Khouw family for generations. Khouw Kim An held the position of last Majoor der Chinezen of Batavia until 1942, an important administrative role at that time.
The house displays Chinese design elements like Tou-Kung roof frames and Peking Opera masks that reflect the heritage of the Chinese community in Indonesia. Visitors can see these art forms and traditional symbols in the rooms today.
The house sits within the Green Central commercial district and is easy to spot from the street. It is best visited in the morning when fewer visitors are present and the details are easier to see.
In the 1990s the building faced complete demolition, but public protests saved it and led to its integration into the current hotel complex. This made it a rare example of historic architecture preserved within a modern commercial development.
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