Old Jakarta at present

As the capital city, Jakarta has seen many changes and has lived through many development plans. Many historical sites and buildings have been replaced by business premises. This year, Jakarta celebrates its 477th anniversary. This is the fifth of six-part series on old city landmarks that still exist today.

GOVERNOR GENERAL'S PALACE

In 1869, Governor General Pieter Mijer (whose tenure was between 1866-1872) requested permission from the Dutch ministry of colonial affairs to build a new official residence for the governor general because the existing residence of Rijswijk (now Jl. Veteran) was considered inadequate. The new residence was built in the backyard of the old official household, facing the Koningsplein Noord (now Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara) and was completed in 1879. The building still exists and is now recognized as the Merdeka Palace. It serves as the president's official residence.