The Junction of Three Cultures

Indonesia, an unlimited source of inspiration for creating unique interiors.

When it comes to decorating their houses, the Indonesian upper class have the tendency to chose classical European style or the minimalist ultra modern. This is not the case with a certain affluent garment businessman, whose house is located in the western part of Jakarta. For the interior of his house, the entrepreneur created a combination between Balinese, Javanes and Chinese culture.

The outside of the house is a little deceptive. At first glance the building does not look too big. In fact, the ordinary-looking building stands on a plot of land of 3000m2 . In addition to the main building is a spacious backyard, with a swimming pool, and a gazebo to just sit around.

The interior of the house sums up the owners love for Indonesia, his respect for his ancestral heritage, Chinese, as well as his intense concern for the art. As a result elements of Javanese, Balinese, Chinese culture and contemporary art dynamically mix in his house.

Entering the house through a Balinese style wooden door, I come across a small room without partition. A table is placed in the middle of the room. Sculptures of a pair of Javanese bride and groom are placed on the table. The two sculptures stand in front of a painting of a red Chinese building.

Unlike most houses, the second room of this house is a spacious area. A big and long wooden table is the main element of the room. This is the room where the owner usually receives his guests as well as held important meeting regarding the future of his company.

The interior of the residence is also dominated with art works from inside and outside the country. The works of contemporary Indonesian artists such as Galam Zulkifli, Putu Sutawijaya, as well as Chinese artist’s decorated the splendid house. The house gives a spacious impression, from the first room through the living room in the back of the house are not dividedly rigidly with mere walls. Instead, glass doors are used as partitions for the rooms.

“I bought the house in 1979. At that time the area did not seem very promising. There aren’t many malls or other facilities like today,” he said.

Until now according to the owner of the house many of his friends question his decision to reside in the area. “They don’t seem to understand why I don’t I chose a more popular residence such as Pondok Indah.” According to him, he’s very comfortable to live in the house decorated especially to suit his taste.

And indeed the residence built by the businessman who started his business from scratch is very remarkable. He said that one day there a Chinese artist came to visit. The artist was amazed with his house and the decorations. “He decided to stay until late, he inspected the works of art one by one, as well as the little details of decorations.”

Comfortable, open and easy on the eye, that is the description of the house in three words.