Toko Merah — Attraction in Jakarta

Toko Merah was built in 1730 by Gustaaf Willem baron van Imhoff on a land area of ​​2,471 square meters. The house was built in such a way that it is large, magnificent and comfortable. The name "Toko Merah" is based on one of its functions, namely as a shop owned by a Chinese citizen, Oey Liauw Kong, since the mid-19th century for quite a long time. The name is also based on the color of the front wall of the building which is painted red with a heart directly on the surface of the unplastered bricks. The red heart color can also be seen in the interior of the building, which is mostly red with the carvings also being red in color. But there are also those who say that the name "Red Shop" was taken after the Pacinan commotion at that time many Chinese corpses were scattered in Kali Besar so that the water surface turned red. In addition, in the land deed No. 957, No. 958 dated 13 July 1920 stated that these parcels belonged to NV Bouwmaatschapij "Toko Merah".

Apart from van Imhoff, this building also became the residence of several Governor-Generals such as Jacob Mossel (1750–1761), Petrus Albertus van der Parra (1761–1775), Reinier de Klerk (1777–1780), Nicolaas Hartingh, and Baron von Hohendorff.

In 1743-1755 it was used as the Campus and Dormitory of the Académie de Marine (naval academy), then in 1786-1808 it was used for the Heerenlogement or hotel for officials. In 1809-1813 the entire building was used as a residence by Anthony Nacare. During the period 1813-1851 the ownership changed several times until it was owned by Oey Liauw Kong who served as taka, so it was popularly known as "Red Taka".

In 1920 it was purchased and restored by NV Bouw Maatschappij "Red Shop" which cost one million guilders. This building was repaired again by Bank Voor Indie who then had an office here until 1925. Then it was occupied by a number of Bureaus and Trade Offices: Algemene Landbouws Syndicaat, De Semarangse Zee en Brandassuransi Mij, and WM Muller. & Co. In 1934-1942 it became the Headquarters of N.V. Jacobson vanl den Berg one of the Dutch Colonial "The Big Five" companies.

During the Japanese occupation it became the Japanese Army Health Service Building. After Indonesia's independence, Toko Merah went through phases of changing hands of office owners, one of which was PT. Satya Niaga in 1964. Then in 1977 it changed to PT Dharma Niaga (Ltd) and the building was still used as an office. In the 1990s, Toko Merah was made a Cultural Heritage Building based on Law no. 5 of 1992 and Decree of the Governor of DKI Jakarta No. 475 March 29, 1993. After being neglected for so long, Toko Merah was finally restored in 2012 and now Toko Merah is transformed into a 'function hall' which can be used as a conference and exhibition venue.

Toko Merah is located on Jl. West Kali Besar no. 11. This building was probably built around 1730 by von Imhoff. He lived in the building before being appointed Governor General. At that time, Kali Besar was seen as an upscale area (a place where the elite and socialites lived). Kali Besar has changed its function several times, as have the houses on both sides of the river or river. Toko Merah consists of two houses. Its name comes from the color of the red paint on the wood in the room. The red color gives the impression of a Chinese touch to this typical Dutch house, especially since the furniture is similar in color. Meanwhile, the red bricks on the front wall were added by Bank voor Indie in 1923, from the original form of white...

A great place to chill and hangout after strolling around Taman Fatahillah and Jakarta Kota Tua. The architecture, the interior vibes, the view, and the coffee are all amazing.

Located right beside Kali Besar, only 5-minute walk from the center of Taman Museum Fatahillah, and right across the Kota Tua Busstop in Kali Besar.

Toko Merah’s facade is a well executed example of a good historical architecture preservation. A contrast of neat red brick while still following the uniformity.

The interior is also great. A sense of modernity with historical ornaments, taking us further to experience the old vibes that this building may once had, while still knowing that we’re in a present. Ambiance is silent, cold but comforting, with music that doesn’t disturb our chatting.

The view. Mesmerizing. Fortunately, the sky was clear as day during our visit, so the view to the old buildings in Kota Tua was framed perfectly by the window and could be seen right from our seat.

Coffee, no comment. Hit right on point. Their Americano and Kopi Susu Rode (Aren) are good. A perfect drink to accompany our chit-chat.

One thing to consider is that they don’t have many seats available. If I remember correctly, probably only around 10 tables on the 2nd floor and maybe 5 on the ground floor. However, I think the limited seat is necessary to keep the ambiance as good and as chill as they are.

Overall, definitely a place you have to go to when you visit Kota...

I think you should train your security not to be too arrogant and to be more welcome as it is a F&B Business. Entering the building doesn't feels happy.

And maybe you should put a "no camera sign" on the lobby so that people can understand that you are not allowed to take picture. Well I didn't take a pic of myself, it just my niece took a pic of the big painting as she is visiting from abroad and suddenly the security was telling her not to take pic and he also said it's a private building and the owner paid billion to rent this place.. it's ok we understand you not allowing us to take pics if we are not a customer, but he can tell more nicely no need to mention that the owner pay billion 😁 he can just said that it's the house rules, thank you to understand. That's it.

I'm sorry, I did not make it to your restaurant because it was late and we have already make another reservation at Batavia Cafe for dinner.

I have visited your cafe before with my friend. when you haven't move upstairs and I got a warm welcome by your staff (restaurant staff). Besides all of this, I had a good...