Historic Menteng Building Slated for Demolition Is Not Cultural Heritage, Jakarta Officials Confirm

JAKARTA — A historic building situated on Jalan Teuku Umar in Menteng, Central Jakarta, now bears stark evidence of its advancing age and deteriorating condition.

Following an inspection by Kompas.com on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, the building appeared largely abandoned. A zinc fence secured the structure tightly, cordoning off the corner site from public access.

The edifice, which has stood in this heritage-rich neighbourhood since 1912, now visibly displays the ravages of age. Its physical integrity has been severely compromised. Only the skeletal framework remains visible—concrete walls with peeling surface layers exposing the internal material structure. The white paint that once dominated the exterior has faded considerably, whilst numerous wall sections bear visible dampness stains. The building, situated on a plot measuring approximately 2,975 square metres, now stands largely roofless. Scattered building debris lies strewn across the ground at various points. A large green tent has been erected on the right side of the front terrace, covering portions of the front entrance area. Near the fence boundary, a white notice board bearing the Indonesian Military insignia states that the land is state property.

During the site visit, Kompas.com encountered several individuals stationed within the building compound. One guard stated that the building constitutes state assets. “This is state property. It is not being demolished, merely revitalised for Indonesian Military Headquarters requirements,” said one of the guards present.

This statement confirms that the site now falls under state control with plans for alternative utilisation. Despite standing for more than a century, the building at Jalan Teuku Umar Number 2 has not been formally designated as cultural heritage. Mochamad Miftahulloh Tamary, Head of Jakarta’s Cultural Affairs Department, stated that officials were still verifying the building’s ownership status. “We are still checking regarding ownership, but the building has indeed not been designated as cultural heritage,” Miftahulloh told Kompas.com on Tuesday, 10 March 2026. He clarified that the building currently lacks formal heritage status. “That is correct—it was not cultural heritage previously and remains so to this day,” he said.