Jakarta, IO – Jakarta has many historic buildings that stand witness of the history of the nation’s independence struggle.
One of them is Gedung Joang 45 on Jalan Menteng Raya Number 31, Central Jakarta. The building has been standing since 1926 when Menteng was still part of Batavia, per Kompas (20/6).
Muslim, a guide at the building, said although the building is now being used as a museum, in the past it was the most luxurious hotel in Batavia.
He said that around the 1920s, almost all the land in Batavia was owned by Arabs. At that time, Batavia became a trading hub where officials, both indigenous and European, stopped by.
The Dutch East Indies government then took the initiative to create settlements for the Dutch in Batavia.
“They looked for a location, then they chose Menteng, and in 1930 Menteng was bought and a Dutch settlement was built,” said Muslim.
A Dutch businessman named LC. Schomper then built a hotel named Hotel Schomper, the most luxurious at that time.
“Even though this hotel is not considered big, it was named the best hotel,” he explained.
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Furthermore, Muslim said the Schomper Hotel was actually built for the general public. However, because the rate was expensive, the hotel guests are dominated by officials or wealthy merchants.
The building consists of eight rooms, including a living room, dining room, three bedrooms on the right and left wing. (un)