What Antara is
Antara is Indonesia’s national news agency, with a legacy tied to the country’s struggle for independence and its development as a nation. Its headquarters are at Jalan Antara No. 59 in Pasar Baru, a historic district known for colonial-era architecture and a multicultural atmosphere (Now Jakarta).
The Antara Photojournalism Museum, adjacent to the office and overlooking the historic Ciliwung Pasar Baru Canal, preserves Indonesian photojournalism through exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs. Founded in 1992, it presents photographs documenting Indonesia’s journey from colonial times to modernity.
History
Jakarta’s history dates back to the 4th century CE, when Sunda Kelapa was a Hindu settlement and trading port. The city was successively shaped by the Indianized Tarumanagara Kingdom and Sunda Kingdom, the Muslim Banten Sultanate, and European colonial powers (History of Jakarta - Wikipedia).
The Dutch East India Company (VOC) established Batavia in 1619, making it the economic and administrative center of the Dutch East Indies. Canals, fortifications, and European architecture became defining features. Urban expansion continued with the introduction of trams in 1869 and the development of new districts. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, Jakarta played a pivotal role. After Indonesia’s independence in 1945, rapid urbanization and modernization—especially under President Sukarno—brought landmarks such as Monas and major thoroughfares. By the mid-20th century, Jakarta’s boundaries and influence had expanded, cementing its position as Indonesia’s political, economic, and cultural hub.
Antara was established in 1937 by Adam Malik, A.M. Sipahoetar, Soemanang, and Pandoe Kartawigoena as an indigenous alternative to colonial news sources. During the independence struggle, it was instrumental in disseminating the 1945 Proclamation of Independence and became part of the nation’s history of press freedom.
Jakarta is a meeting place for Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and European influences, alongside local traditions (Over Your Place; explorecity.life). This diversity is reflected in the city’s daily life, languages, cuisine, and architecture.
What to see and do
Graha Bhakti Antara and the museum
Graha Bhakti Antara, at Jalan Antara No. 57–61, is a protected heritage site and former ANTARA headquarters (korporat.antaranews.com). The museum above the photojournalism gallery houses artifacts, equipment, and documents from Indonesia’s independence era. Highlights include:
- Historic communication devices from August 17, 1945
- Archival photographs documenting the Japanese occupation and early republic
- Original press credentials and bulletins
The museum’s collections include iconic images from the independence movement and major political events. Its exhibitions explore social justice, diversity, and resilience, and its archives are a resource for historians and the public.
Antara Photojournalism Gallery
The gallery features rotating exhibitions on independence, urban life, and natural disasters. It also houses the IPPHOS archive of the Mendur brothers. Workshops and talks are held regularly.
Jakarta’s cultural life
Jakarta’s cultural calendar includes dance, music, art, and film events, sometimes held under government initiatives such as Kharisma Event Nusantara (KEN). Semasa Piknik, a festival of local creativity and culinary offerings, is scheduled for June 27–29, 2025, at Banteng Square (en.tempo.co). Other events include Art Jakarta, Jakarta Biennale, Jakarta Literature Festival, and the Jakarta Fair, held in June–July with trade shows and cultural performances (nowjakarta.co.id).
Mosques, churches, and temples coexist throughout the city, and major religious holidays are widely celebrated, reflecting Jakarta’s pluralism (explorecity.life). The city’s leadership focuses on economic growth, social equity, and sustainability. Initiatives to preserve intangible heritage include efforts to register tempeh and Reog Ponorogo for UNESCO recognition (en.antaranews.com). Grassroots organizations, environmental initiatives, and digital governance platforms are also enhancing participatory civic life (asianz.org.nz).
Jakarta’s social spaces include rooftop bars such as Awan Lounge, shopping malls, and cultural centers such as Taman Ismail Marzuki (thecrazytourist.com).
Practical visiting information
Location and transport
The museum is in Pasar Baru, one of Jakarta’s oldest neighborhoods. It can be reached by commuter train, TransJakarta bus, taxi, or ride-hailing app. Pasar Baru station is served by commuter trains, and TransJakarta stops are nearby. The area is pedestrian-friendly and close to the Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral (Now Jakarta).
Visiting hours and admission
The reported schedules differ:
- Antara Photojournalism Museum Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed Mondays and national holidays.
- Graha Bhakti Antara museum listing Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.
Admission is free; donations are welcome to support museum programs. Another listing describes admission as free or by donation. Check the official website or contact the museum to confirm current hours and admission details.
Tours and accessibility
Guided tours are available by appointment and provide more detailed insights into the exhibitions. Tours are available in Indonesian and English; request an English-speaking guide in advance if needed. Educational workshops and public lectures are offered, particularly during festivals or commemorative periods. Inquire ahead to reserve a spot.
The museum is described as accessible for visitors with disabilities, but visitors with specific needs should contact the museum.
Tips
- Weekday mornings or late afternoons are suggested for fewer crowds. Mornings offer good light for photography.
- Remain vigilant in crowded areas, dress modestly, and respect local customs.
- Exhibits are in Indonesian and English.
- Check the museum’s current hours and event schedules before visiting.
Nearby places
Historic and cultural sites
Pasar Baru is Jakarta’s oldest commercial district, known for shopping and street food (wanderlustchloe.com). The Istiqlal Mosque and Jakarta Cathedral are within walking distance and offer guided tours (thehoneycombers.com). Other sites and cultural venues include:
- Gedung Kesenian Jakarta a 19th-century theater hosting cultural events
- National Museum, Jakarta History Museum, and National Gallery of Indonesia institutions that preserve and promote Indonesia’s artistic legacy (thecrazytourist.com)
- Art:1 New Museum and National Gallery venues for contemporary art exhibitions
- Taman Ismail Marzuki an arts center for theater, galleries, and festivals
Monas
The National Monument, or Monas, is a symbol of Indonesia’s independence. Built between 1961 and 1975, the 132-meter structure is topped with a gold-coated flame. Its museum contains dioramas and artifacts about the independence movement (Official Monas Website).
- Hours Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM; observation deck until 3:30 PM
- Tickets IDR 15,000 for adults and IDR 10,000 for children; children under five enter free
- Access TransJakarta Corridor 1, MRT via Bundaran HI station plus a short ride, or ride-hailing apps
- Tickets are sold on-site. Facilities for disabled visitors are available. Photography is allowed except in restricted areas.
Food and shopping
Pasar Baru and Antara offer Betawi specialties, Chinese-Indonesian food, and international dishes. Glodok, Jakarta’s Chinatown, is another area for food (thecrazytourist.com). Street-food options include nasi goreng, sate, and soto ayam; historic eateries include Bakmi Gang Kelinci (wanderlustchloe.com). Pasar Baru Market sells textiles, batik, and souvenirs. Modern cafés in restored colonial buildings offer coffee and lunch, while Grand Indonesia and Plaza Indonesia malls have shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the opening hours for Antara Museum and Gallery?
A: One listing gives Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Sundays and public holidays. Another gives Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, closed Mondays and national holidays.
Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Admission is generally free or by donation.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Tours in Indonesian and English are available by request.
Q: Is Antara accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, but contact the museum about specific needs.
Q: What is the best time to visit for photography?
A: Mornings offer good light and fewer crowds.
Q: How do I get there using public transport?
A: Take a commuter train to Pasar Baru station or use a TransJakarta bus to the Pasar Baru stop. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are also available.
