Established in the 1920s as a residential area for Dutch Indonesians, Menteng is an upmarket neighbourhood in Central Jakarta. It was designed as a “garden suburb” and features picturesque parks that provide a respite from the Indonesian capital’s hustle and bustle. Menteng is a popular entertainment hub, with everything from relaxed eateries to high-end cocktail lounges.
Things to do in Menteng
Menteng is home to the Grand General Dr. A. H. Nasution Memorial Museum, which showcases the life and career of one of Indonesia’s most prominent military figures. It occupies the house where Nasution lived from 1949 until 2000, with personal belongings and furnishings on display. While browsing the dioramas, learn about his capture and attempted assassination during the 1965 coup attempt.
Art enthusiasts can visit Taman Ismail Marzuki, an arts and cultural complex that regularly hosts dance and musical performances. It is named after one of Indonesia’s most famous composers and includes an 800-seat concert hall, a theatre studio and an open-air auditorium. Changing art exhibitions and film screenings are held in the gallery spaces.
Located on the site of a former stadium is Menteng Park, which is one of the most popular green spaces in Jakarta. It encompasses a children’s playground, sporting courts and a jogging track, as well as a greenhouse where plants from across the world are grown. Once the sun goes down, Menteng Park comes to life with food vendors serving Indonesian favourites.
Getting around Menteng
Menteng is around five minutes’ drive from the centre of Jakarta and 10 minutes from the Gambir railway station, which receives inter-city trains from across Java. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is 35 minutes away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Rail, subway and bus services travel throughout Menteng, connecting most of its attractions.