JAKARTA – House of Tugu Jakarta recently secured a prestigious spot on Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2026 list. This achievement highlights a serene historical oasis amidst the rapid modernization of North Jakarta. Consequently, House of Tugu stands as the sole representative of Indonesia among the world’s most influential destinations this year.

Global Recognition through Strict Curation

Time Magazine maintains a sharp reputation for identifying locations that offer meaningful experiences rather than mere aesthetics. The editorial team selected House of Tugu because it successfully blends authentic cultural values with fresh innovation. As a result, this recognition strengthens Jakarta’s position on the global map of cultural tourism.

The site captures international attention specifically because it revives the once-marginalized peranakan (crossbreed) heritage. Furthermore, the architecture and historical narratives in every corner introduce this legacy to a broad modern audience.

Historical Roots Built on Collective Dedication

The journey of the place represents the lifelong dedication of Tugu Group founder, Anhar Setjadibrata. He began collecting artifacts in the 1960s after discovering many neglected treasures in various remote regions. Subsequently, his wife Wedya Julianti joined him to transform this passion into a massive cultural preservation movement.

Today, the next generation continues this spirit with great fervor. Lucienne Anhar, Co-owner of Tugu Hotels & Restaurants Group, defines the core philosophy behind this grand establishment.

“We want to keep the stories of the Indonesian people alive,” she states.

Therefore, every inch of the space reflects this mission. Visitors do not simply view static objects; instead, they experience a complete, personal, and profound historical narrative.

A Cultural Symphony: From Culinary Arts to the Future

The experience at House of Tugu engages all five senses through a carefully curated cultural journey. The establishment reinforces Indonesian and colonial identities through two distinct culinary concepts:

• Jajaghu Restaurant: This venue serves authentic recipes passed down through generations.
• Babah Koffie by Kawisari: This café evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the Javanese colonial era.

House of Tugu continues to expand its horizons with new developments scheduled for 2026. First, the group will launch De Tiger in May 2026 as a poolside speakeasy featuring live music. This concept draws inspiration from the vibrant nightlife of old Batavia.

Next, the family will open The Huang Museum in June 2026. This museum will showcase thousands of artifacts from the Tugu family archives. Notably, the public has never seen many of these pieces before. Ultimately, House of Tugu Jakarta proves that cultural strength remains a timeless attraction. It serves as a bridge to the layers of Nusantara’s history and a window for the world to witness the richness of Indonesian identity.

_{As reported by Armydian Kurniawan of sindonews / photo doc. House of Tugu}