I joined a group called Indonesian Heritage Society. It is a non-profit organization offering the opportunity to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia. (You can learn about it here.)
Once you belong to the society, you choose either or both study group or explorer group. Then you will be assigned into a small group. I went to a first tour with the explorer group I belong. Our first tour was to Roemah Djawa (House of Java). I heard from others that this is quite interesting. As I love seeing architecture and interior designs wherever I go, I got very excited.
I got to the location by taxi. I stepped inside the gate and it was a different world. Jakarta is just like any other big cities. Jakarta is very modern and you don’t see too many traditional or cultural pieces on a daily basis. Seeing and being in the Roemah Djawa was a whole cultural immersing experience to me.
The house was decorated with the items collected over the years from all over Indonesia as well as the world. The owner is an Indonesian Cultural expert and is well-traveled. His wife said that in Indonesia you didn’t find many Indonesians who traveled much within Indonesia. You might meet kids from wealthy families who have been to Disneyland in Hong Kong, but have never traveled to Yogyakarta to see Borobudur (biggest temple in the country). If you are interested in learning more facts about their house, I recommend you read this article which describes their house beautifully.
I was requested not to display any photos of the Roemah Djawa on my blog by the owner. Unfortunately there is no longer visual images for you to see on this post.
Side Note
I joined the Indonesian Heritage Society a couple of weeks ago. I thought that I would be able to go visit places that I would not go by myself. This is true and joining this group provides you with many opportunities for that. If you are new to the country, it is a great place to learn about Indonesia and also meet people and make friends. If you are brand new to the city and do not have a car, it would be better to join the group with someone you already know and ask to be assigned in the group with your friend(s). You also have to participate in planning trips, so knowing someone in the group makes it easier for you to plan a trip together and that is more fun. I joined the group hoping that I would be able to go on a tour with my friend, but she joined a weekly explorer group and I was a bit overwhelmed to join the weekly group, so I decided to join a monthly explorer group. Therefore, I ended up joining a group not knowing a single person, which is fine as I am not at all shy. However, because I don’t have a car and I could not find anyone who could give me a ride, I ended up taking a taxi to a site. It was fine as I use taxi all the time and used to it, plus I have a little bit of Indonesian to get by, but it would be hard if you don’t. This probably doesn’t happen to many people, but if there is anyone out there who is interested in joining the IHS, but you are a bit shy, I think you feel more comfortable joining the group with a friend or two. Just a little two-cent from my own experience.
That is an amazing post Kaho! I absolutely love the bold colors, wood carving etc… that is a rich culture indeed. Thank you for sharing!
Between, I will do the post with the 4 things next week as I am working this week at a private sale (jewelry)… too tired to blog in the evening!
Talk soon 🙂
Thanks, Marie! No worries about four things. No due date or anything. No rush!! When you have more important things to focus, you totally should!! Do you have the pictures of your jewelry collection on your blog? I know you have some. Would love to see them all!
WOW. what an amazing home. your photos have transported me away to Indonesia!
What a great way to get to know about the culture and to meet people. So happy for you!
What a great idea to join the Indonesian Society Group! What an amazing experience visiting this property. There would have been SO much to look at and take in!! Those cabinets on the wall are such a unique idea and the shot by the pool is lovely. I was thinking of you this week with the recent earthquake in Indonesia – I’m not very clued up on Indonesian geogrpahy so I wasn’t sure if it occurred close to you or not but you immediately sprang to my mind when I saw the news 🙂
How sweet of you to think of me!! Thank you!! I would’ve not known the location have I not been here…. It’s far enough for us that we were not affected. Our friends were just there last week!
Hi Kaho,
Its simply ‘IMPRESSIVE’. This was an amazing trip and the pictures are beautiful.
I couldn’t stop my self to peek into your previous blogs. Girl you have done an amazing job and I will definitely follow your blog now.
Would love to see you in our next trip. Take care and keep up the good work.
Tina
Tina, thank you!!! I appreciate that you came to visit my blog! I had a great time at the Roemah Djawa trip. Can’t wait to participate more in the future!!
Thank you for posting this information. Please kindly advise how to join the Indonesia Heritage Society and where is the location of HARRY DARSONO Museum and how we can arrange a visit to the museum
Am an Event Organizer and I have events in November 2016. For one of the options of Spouse Program, I would like to propose this tour..
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you
Putri, unfortunately I was a member with the group only for a year until the summer 2011, so I do not have the information that you wish to have. I am not sorry that I am unable to help you. Please visit their website, Indonesian Heritage Society. I hope your event in November will be a successful one!
Sadly, I can’t see any photos of it, yet I know it’s not far off from my very own abode. Would love to recommend this place to my B&B guests from abroad. Photos and address would be appreciated.
Meta, thank you for finding my blog post about Roemah Djawa. It’s been so many years! Unfortunately, I had to take down the photos of their home per request of the owners. I apologize for the disappointment.
Thanks for your quick response.
No problem. Thank you for visiting!