Historic Dutch-Style House in Menteng Demolished Without Authorisation; Jakarta Cultural Affairs Office Responds

A heritage-style Dutch-colonial building at the intersection of Jalan Teuku Umar and Jalan Sam Ratulangi in Menteng, Central Jakarta, has been demolished and demolished without proper authorisation.

Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, Head of the Jakarta Provincial Cultural Affairs Office, stated that the demolition of the building—believed to be a protected cultural heritage site—was not conducted with approval from the Cultural Affairs Office. “The Cultural Affairs Office did not issue a demolition permit,” he told journalists on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.

Miftahulloh said his office had not yet received information regarding plans for the development or use of the land at the site. He recommended that any plans for building or land use be coordinated with the property owner.

“It would be advisable that plans for the use of the building be coordinated with the owner of the building or land,” he stated.

He emphasised that the Jakarta Provincial Government is committed to protecting cultural heritage buildings in the capital city. One step being taken is through the process of establishing cultural heritage status to provide legal protection.

“We also provide restoration recommendation services for the development and use of cultural heritage sites, registration of suspected cultural heritage objects, and training and competency development for cultural heritage preservation practitioners,” he said.