Then during the interval 2009-2024, I have been to Taman Ismail Marzuki several times to watch movies, theater exercises, or watch theater performances. However, this is my second visit after Taman Ismail Marzuki was closed due to the revitalization process organized by the local government for approximately three years.
TAMAN ISMAIL MARZUKI ARTS CENTER
As the name suggests, Taman Ismail Marzuki is a venue for performance buildings, or meeting halls for workshops.
For the front view, it has changed a lot. The new concept looks more modern and fresh. No ticket is required to enter the arts center complex here. There is only a fee for parking in the basement. The first building I came across was the Trisno Soemardjo Building.
TRISNO SOEMARDJO BUILDING
Inside the Trisno Soemardjo Building there are among others: Wahyu Sihombing Theater, Jakarta Academy Office, Cipta Gallery 1, Cipta Gallery 2, Danarto Terrace, Teguh Karya theater rehearsal room, Gusmiati Suid dance rehearsal room, S. Rukiah Kertapati Literature & Multimedia rehearsal room, Nashar Fine Arts rehearsal room, Trisutji Kamal music rehearsal room, tradition rehearsal room, TIM collection museum, dining area and UMKM, Aserul Sani Kineforum cinema, Sjuman Djaya Kineforum cinema, and Sjuman Djaya multipurpose room.
In various interviews, the current governor of Jakarta, Anies Baswedan, explained that the theme for the new Taman Ismail Marzuki is The New Creative hub & Art Center and The New Urban Tourism Destination. So it is clear that the latest concept of architecture in Taman Ismail is made to be more futuristic in order to attract more tourists.
TEATER JAKARTA
After the Trisno Soemardjo Building, visitors will see a building whose outer side is all glass colored green Tosca. This is one building that is divided into two parts. Small Theater and Big Theater. I am actually very relieved that there are remnants of memories that have not changed even after the revitalization. The Jakarta Theater building is the one that has not changed since I first saw it in 2005.
The first building was a small theater. Overall, the concept of this building is abstract. For the small theater the entrance is opposite the Graha Bakti Budaya building.
I wanted to tell you a little bit about my relationship with this unique building. So, when I visited in 2011, I could only see the building from the outside, and had no idea what it was like to go inside. That said, I heard that it was very;ah expensive to buy tickets for performances in the two buildings. The theater that was held usually consisted of senior performers and sometimes even involved top artists for the line-up.
However, who would have thought, that in early 2023, I had the opportunity to enter a small theater and watch a very famous and good theater entitled AUM by Putu Wijaya. You know what's even more miraculous? I got a free ticket! How lucky I was! Read this
The entrance to the Big Theater faces the backyard. There is a very big pillar and two sets of stairs on the right and left side leading to the entrance. There is always a security guard on duty in case visitors need to ask about reservations or other info.
In front of the large theater, there is a statue with the initials IM which means Ismail Marzuki. A very valuable figure for Indonesia, especially in the field of music since the 30s. Ismail Marzuki is an intelligent composer. His songs still resonate everywhere, even though they are in different versions. The one I remember and love the most from his song is JUWITA MALAM.
BACKYARD AND MURALS
A small park right across from the big theater is always used for free rehearsals: used by people from certain communities or students from IKJ (Jakarta Institute of Arts), which is still in the same complex as Taman Ismail Marzuki.
A circular park, this two-tiered grandstand is very comfortable to use. In the afternoon when I visited, there were students practicing dialog, so I was allowed to sit for a while and watch them practice. The wind here in the afternoon is very breezy and pleasant.
Connected by a path to the back side is a parapet filled with murals by IKJ students, as well as a semi-open space called TERASENI which was initiated by the students. I always like to see murals with a lot of moral messages, or funny memes, or even sometimes a social criticism, or abstract. Imagination without limits.
AMIR HAMZAH MOSQUE
Amir Hamzah Mosque is one of the mosques that completely changed after the revitalization. Built in a minimalist and more environmentally friendly form. Two large trees make this mosque look lush and fresh. The full front terrace is covered with faving blocks. The left, right and back sides are surrounded by ponds. I regret that the management of the pond in this mosque is not optimal. In 2022, the pond here still looked clean and clear, now it is filled with moss.
JAKARTA PLANETARIUM AND OBSERVATORY BUILDING
The second best spot after the theater building is this observatory. Usually, this place is open every day for students who go on study tours and see knowledge shows about celestial bodies and the solar system. It is also equipped with a gallery of knowledge about space. I have been to the Planetarium three times, and always want to come here as a form of healing. It's fun to watch the show even though it's repeated. Celestial bodies are beautiful, mysterious too. The Planetarium building, like other observatory buildings, has a dome-shaped roof. Surrounded by a pond. And there is an open hall for visitors to sit back and relax.
That was my trip to see the latest architecture of Taman Ismail Marzuki. Thank you for reading my post.
All photos are mine, taken by Oppo reno 5f
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