Gedung Joang 45

Gedung Joang 45 Jakarta: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Historical Heart of Indonesian Independence

Located in Central Jakarta, Gedung Joang 45 is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s journey toward independence. Originally constructed in 1938 as the Schomper Hotel during the Dutch colonial era, the building has since served as a hub for nationalist activism, a witness to the 1945 Proclamation of Independence, and, since 1974, a museum dedicated to the nation’s struggle for freedom. Today, Gedung Joang 45 offers an immersive historical experience through well-curated exhibits, authentic artifacts, and preserved colonial architecture, making it a must-visit among Jakarta’s historical sites (mitramuseumjakarta.id; observerid.com).

Gedung Joang 45 not only preserves the architectural legacy of Jakarta’s colonial past but also serves as an educational center highlighting the pivotal roles played by youth activists and national leaders in the 1945 independence movement. This guide provides essential information on visiting hours, ticket prices, accessibility, exhibits, and practical tips to ensure a meaningful visit for travelers, students, and history enthusiasts alike (wisatarakyat.com; archipelagoid.com).

Historical Background
Museum Collections and Exhibits
Architectural Features
Visiting Information
Educational and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Background

Origins and Early History (1938–1942)

Gedung Joang 45 began its life as the Schomper Hotel, a luxury establishment serving Dutch officials, expatriates, and Indonesian elites. Strategically located at Jalan Menteng Raya No. 31, the hotel’s architecture reflected the Dutch colonial style, with high ceilings and wide verandas designed for Jakarta’s tropical climate (observerid.com; nowjakarta.co.id).

Nationalist Hub During Japanese Occupation (1942–1945)

Following the Japanese occupation in 1942, the building was repurposed as Asrama Angkatan Baroe Indonesia (New Generation Dormitory of Indonesia), later known as Gedung Menteng 31. Intended as a youth training center, it inadvertently became a breeding ground for nationalist activists, including Sukarni, Chaerul Saleh, A.M. Hanafi, and Ismail Wijaya. Here, young leaders organized and strategized for the nation’s future (mitramuseumjakarta.id; nowjakarta.co.id).

Role in the Proclamation of Independence (1945)

Gedung Joang 45 played a vital part in the events surrounding Indonesia’s independence. It was a meeting place for key activists who were instrumental in the Rengasdengklok Incident, which accelerated the declaration of independence on August 17, 1945. The building thus stands as a “silent witness” to the nation’s most defining moments (medium.com).

Museum Era and Preservation (1974–Present)

Recognizing its significance, Gedung Joang 45 was inaugurated as a museum by President Soeharto and Jakarta Governor Ali Sadikin on August 19, 1974. The museum has since preserved and showcased documents, photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts central to the independence movement (backpackerjakarta.com).

Museum Collections and Exhibits

Gedung Joang 45’s permanent and temporary exhibits provide an in-depth look at Indonesia’s fight for independence (wisatarakyat.com; indoindians.com):

Historic Documents and Photographs: Original decrees, proclamations, and correspondence from key figures, plus rare black-and-white images of rallies and revolution events (scribd.com; ekaputrawisata.com).
Personal Artifacts of National Leaders: Items belonging to Sukarno, Mohammad Hatta, and others, including clothing, writing tools, and the first presidential limousine (kompas.com).
Weapons and Military Memorabilia: Firearms, swords, and uniforms from the revolution, along with medals and insignia (wisatarakyat.com).
Scale Models and Dioramas: Miniatures illustrating key events like the Proclamation and the Ikada Square rally (wikipedia.org).
Audio-Visual Experiences: Recordings of Sukarno’s Proclamation, historical documentaries, and a dedicated cinema room (jakartaoldtown.indonesia-tourism.com).
Statues and Busts: Golden busts of national heroes and life-sized statues of Sukarno and Hatta at the entrance.
Temporary Exhibitions: Thematic and collaborative displays highlighting different aspects of the independence struggle (mitramuseumjakarta.id).

Interactive features include children’s programs, costume photo studios, and a research library for deeper study (scribd.com; wikipedia.org).

Architectural Features

Gedung Joang 45 is an exemplar of Dutch colonial architecture, with symmetrical facades, tall windows, wide verandas, and original wooden furnishings. Its design not only reflects its European heritage but also its adaptation through different historical periods (archipelagoid.com):

Symmetrical Layout and Columns: Central entrance, flanked by evenly spaced windows and colonial columns.
Grand Halls and Meeting Rooms: Spaces used for gatherings and now for exhibitions.
Adaptive Reuse: Sensitive renovation has preserved original features while enabling modern museum functions.
Conservation Efforts: Regular restoration ensures the building’s structural and aesthetic integrity.

Visiting Information

Location

Jalan Menteng Raya No. 31, Central Jakarta, Indonesia

Visiting Hours

Tuesday–Sunday: 08:00–16:00
Closed: Mondays and national holidays (ibnbattutatravel.com)

Tickets

Adults: Rp 5,000
University Students: Rp 3,000
Children/School Students: Rp 2,000 (mitramuseumjakarta.id)
Discounts available for groups; special exhibits may incur additional fees.

Accessibility & Facilities

Transport: Easily reached by TransJakarta, commuter rail (near Gondangdia Station), taxis, and ride-hailing apps (wisatarakyat.com).
Facilities: Wheelchair accessible, restrooms, souvenir shop, air-conditioned galleries, and multilingual panels.
Guided Tours: Available in Indonesian and English (by arrangement).
Photography: Allowed without flash/tripods in most areas.

Visitor Tips

Visit early to avoid crowds.
Allocate 1–2 hours for the full experience.
Pair your visit with nearby attractions: National Museum, Monas, Taman Suropati, and Jakarta Cathedral.

Educational and Community Engagement

Gedung Joang 45 is not just a static museum. It regularly hosts workshops, lectures, storytelling sessions, temporary exhibitions, and commemorative events—especially on Independence Day (August 17)—to foster community participation and national pride (observerid.com). Preservation efforts by the Jakarta city government and cultural organizations ensure the building’s longevity and continued relevance (archipelagoid.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the official visiting hours of Gedung Joang 45?
A: Tuesday–Sunday, 08:00–16:00. Closed Mondays and national holidays.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Rp 5,000 for adults, Rp 3,000 for university students, Rp 2,000 for children/school students.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, including ramps and accessible restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Yes, by prior arrangement.

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Yes, except with flash or tripods in certain areas.

Q: Are there temporary exhibitions or special events?
A: Yes, check the museum’s official website and social media for updates.

Conclusion

Gedung Joang 45 stands as a monumental tribute to Indonesia’s independence movement, youth activism, and enduring national pride. Its rich collections, accessible facilities, and dynamic educational programs make it an essential site for anyone seeking to understand Indonesia’s revolutionary past. For the best experience, plan your visit in advance, check current schedules, and explore related historical sites in Central Jakarta.

Enhance your visit by downloading the Audiala app for guided tours and real-time historical insights. Stay informed through official channels and social media for ongoing exhibitions and events. Gedung Joang 45 is more than a museum—it’s a living testament to the resilience and unity that shaped modern Indonesia.

References

Gedung Joang 45 History, 2025, Mitra Museum Jakarta (mitramuseumjakarta.id)
Joang 45 Museum: A Walk Through Independence, 2025, Observer ID (observerid.com)
Historical Sites of Indonesia’s Independence in Jakarta, 2025, Now Jakarta (nowjakarta.co.id)
Museum Joang 45 Jakarta, 2025, Wisata Rakyat (wisatarakyat.com)
Gedung Joang 45: A Silent Witness of Independence Struggle, 2025, Archipelago ID (archipelagoid.com)
Museum Joang 45 Jakarta, 2025, Mitra Museum Jakarta (mitramuseumjakarta.id)
Gedung Joang 45 Museum, 2025, Jakarta Old Town Tourism (jakartaoldtown.indonesia-tourism.com)