Rumah Kartanegara an alternative, elegant venue with old-world
Rumah Kartanegara an alternative, elegant venue with old-world nuances
Joko E.H. Anwar Contributor Jakarta
Those seeking an alternative venue to hold weddings or other special occasions which is different from the usual big halls can check out a house called Rumah Kartanegara in South Jakarta.
The venue at Jl. Kertanegara 4A is already popular among artists and other public figures for holding special occasions in a more private environment.
From the outside, the building looks just like any other house in the plush Kebayoran Baru residential area which is located close to the National Police Headquarters.
However, once you step inside the front door, any stranger will be greeted warmly by the caretaker of the house.
"There's always people coming here every day, simply to find out what all the hype about Rumah Kartanegara is all about," assistant manager of the house, Iryus Ari Krisnanto, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.
As you step into the living room, richly colored in red, you will soon be immersed in the elegant atmosphere provided by a collection of expensive art works and European, Chinese, and classic Javanese furnishings.
Classical music can be heard being played through the speakers throughout the house while the authentic works of Vincent Van Gogh and the late painting master Basuki Abdullah can also be seen on the walls.
An antique piano stands elegantly on the worn-out silk Austrian carpets, which are kept to maintain the old nuances of the house.
An exquisite Javanese wooden sculpture can also be found in this room.
The lavish Edwardian-inspired library is painted green. However, there is not really a book to read other than several copies of the Koran.
An elegant 19th century European-style dining room is replete with fine china and silverware with a Bacharach crystal chandelier above the dining table.
Other richly decorated rooms including a study, an exquisite patio, and a beautifully furnished bedroom.
The house is owned by former singer Anna Mathovani who was wed to a grandson of the late King Pakubuwono X.
Assistant manager Iryus said that Anna, now 47 years old, had used the house to host her guests and most of them had fallen in love with the house.
"They urged (the owner) to make the house available to many other people," Iryus said.
The house began its commercial operation in 1999 to hold several events, including wedding parties.
Since then, many well-known names have used the house for special occasions.
Famous fashion designers such as Harry Dharsono and Didi Budiardjo have also held their fashion shows at the house.
The house is often booked by foreign ambassadors to entertain their guests for lunch, dinner, or tea time.
Every occasion is private, meaning that even though you only book, for example, the patio for afternoon tea, other rooms will not be rented out to anybody else while you are in the house.
The house offers several packages which vary depending on how long people want to use the house.
A full day wedding reception from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. costs Rp 8 million while a cocktail party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. costs Rp 4 million.
If you want to use the house for breakfast you will have to pay Rp 2.5 million and you will be able to use the house from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
All the above prices only cover room charge, a standard flower arrangement, chinaware, glassware, and table arrangement plus staff to serve you.
Food, beverages, rental of audio visual equipment, and special flowers arrangements are not included in the prices.
The house kitchen serves Indonesian food, but arrangements can be made with other catering companies to provide you with alternative cuisine.
You can also book the house for a one night stay for Rp 11 million. The package includes the full use of the entire premises, breakfast for the whole family, complimentary dinner or lunch for four persons, airport transfers and transportation to any shopping center in Jakarta.
The house would be better appreciated by those seeking elegant, old-world nuances.
However, the premises are unlikely to impress younger people with more modern taste.