'Merdeka' Palace and State Palace

'Merdeka' Palace and State Palace

From Kompas

I feel perturbed whenever I read in print or electronic media a frequent mistake concerning the Merdeka Palace and the State Palace, which are two different places.

The Merdeka Palace faces Jl. Merdeka Utara or the National Monument and the State Palace looks on Jl. Veteran or is next to Bina Graha presidential office.

Flag-hoisting ceremonies for a variety of state occasions are held at Merdeka Palace while at the State Palace state guests are received and entertained in large numbers. Religious ceremonies such as Isra Mi'raj (Muhammad's ascension day) and Maulid Nabi (Muhammad's birthday) are also held there.

Both palaces are back to back, linked to each other by a large park. Former President Abdurrahman Wahid used to ride in a golf cart to go to either the Merdeka Palace or the State Palace from his official residence at the State House, located between these two palaces.

MOHAMAD FAUZI

Jakarta