Indonesia hosted the fourth Asian Games in 1962. At that time, Indonesian President Soekarno initiated the construction of a stadium, a monument and a hotel for the Asian Games. The development was controversial. When Indonesia had recently become independent and state finances were still in shambles, building stadiums, monuments and hotels was considered a waste.
Until the term 'Lighthouse Project' emerged, these magnificent buildings were initiated by Soekarno deliberately to steal the world's attention. One of them that still exists and continues to operate today is Hotel Indonesia.
Hotel Indonesia was built in the center of Jakarta on an area of 25,082 square meters, designed by American architect Abel Sorensen and his wife, Wendy. This hotel was built with a modern minimalist concept combining the nuances of West Sumatra.
For the 1960s, this hotel with a T-shaped floor plan was clearly an extraordinarily magnificent building, and was listed as the first five-star hotel in Indonesia. Moreover, facilities such as elevators were first present at Hotel Indonesia, not to mention the dance club and outdoor swimming pool.
Apart from being an accommodation for athletes and representatives of Asian Games countries, Hotel Indonesia is also intended as an identity for Indonesia and a tourist information center for foreign tourists. In the past, Hotel Indonesia had a lot of fine arts related to Indonesia. There are statues, paintings, reliefs, and even wall mosaics, all of which depict the beauty of Indonesia.
In its development, Hotel Indonesia also became a place to stay for VIP state guests visiting Indonesia. Hotel Indonesia also gave birth to famous Indonesian television stars, from just performing to becoming famous. In 1993 Hotel Indonesia was designated as a Cultural Heritage by the Regional Government of DKI Jakarta, and as a result the visible appearance of Hotel Indonesia cannot be changed, either in shape or paint color.
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Currently
Staying at Hotel Indonesia can be said to be staying at a historic hotel, but after a recent major renovation, from 406 rooms, it has now been reduced to 289 bigger rooms, but most of the significant memorabilia related to the opening of Hotel Indonesia can still be seen directly by guests.
Hotel guests can see the scissors used by Soekarno to cut the ribbon for the inauguration of Hotel Indonesia, the cutlery used at the opening of Hotel Indonesia, Plataran Ramayana which used to be the Ramayana Restaurant, the location of the inauguration of Hotel Indonesia, and the Golden Book, aka the book where important guests write testimonials.
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski and Sustainability
Following the Kempinski Sustainability agenda, Hotel Indonesia has taken the chellenge very seriously and has embarked on a comprehensive program. Beside preserving history and culture, Hotel Indonesia also making some positive changes to the sustainability side, like sorting and segregating their waste, donating their food waste, reducing their energy and water consumption, creating hydroponic garden, and increasing their engagement with local communities.
Hotel Indonesia Kempinski is committed to follow the path to sustainability to make sure we can give a better future for the next generation.
Hotel Indonesia and Culture
In the path of sustainability, respect for local culture is important. As a hotel with a lengthy history in Indonesia, Hotel Indonesia Kempinski strives to preserve the cultural history of Indonesia.
One of the campaigns that Hotel Indonesia Kempinski has created is “The Legend Lives On” campaign, set to be celebrated throughout 2024. The movement, which has been crafted to encapsulate the iconic hotel’s deep-rooted commitment to preserving and celebrating Indonesia’s rich culture and history, aims to give a new insight into Indonesia’s past and its impact today while looking forward to a brighter future.
The Legend Lives On also introduces guests to The Curator: a dedicated ambassador of cultural content. With a wealth of knowledge, The Curator serves as an experienced historical storyteller, sharing captivating tales of Indonesia's vibrant history for guests to discover. From unravelling the mysteries of ancient traditions to sharing the secrets behind local customs, The Curator is always ready to answer questions and provide guidance, ensuring that every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of Jakarta and Indonesia's rich heritage.
Another program from The Legend Lives On is the Mustikarasa programme, a vibrant new culinary initiative. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Mustikarasa historical cookbook, this bimonthly event celebrates Indonesia's rich culinary heritage. Guests are invited to experience the authentic flavours preserved in the pages of this celebrated book. The Mustikarasa initiative showcases traditional dishes from Jakarta and beyond and also celebrates how the historic port city of Sunda Kelapa has enriched modern Jakarta, weaving together local flavours with culinary traditions from Europe, Arabia, India, and China to offer a uniquely diverse gastronomic journey.
Spearheaded by Indonesia's founding father, President IR Soekarno, the Mustikarasa cookbook serves as a culinary compendium that records the vibrant recipes of Indonesia. President Soekarno's deep appreciation for the nation's diversity led to the inception of this cookbook, recognising food as a unifying force that transcends boundaries and brings people together. Through the Mustikarasa rotation programme, guests can experience the rich flavours of Indonesian cuisine, celebrating the country's diverse culinary traditions and flavours. Each dish offers a unique glimpse into Indonesian cuisine, allowing guests to embark on a culinary journey that spans the archipelago.
For more information please go to: https://www.kempinski.com/en/hotel-indonesia
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