Taman Prasasti Museum

Overview

Taman Prasasti Museum is an open-air colonial cemetery turned museum in central Jakarta, preserving Dutch-era tombstones, mausoleums, and cast-iron memorials dating from the 17th to 19th centuries. It's a quiet oasis in the city centre.

Highlights

• Dutch Colonial Tombstones: Ornate marble and sandstone memorials of VOC officials, including Olivia Raffles (wife of Stamford Raffles).
• Shaded Gardens: Mature frangipani trees create a peaceful, park-like atmosphere.
• Heritage Carriages: Two 19th-century horse-drawn carriages on display.

History

Originally the Kebon Jahe Kober cemetery (est. 1795), the site was converted into a museum in 1977 to preserve Jakarta's colonial funerary heritage. It's one of the few remaining Dutch-era cemeteries in Indonesia.

Visitor Tips

• Morning visits are best — the tranquil atmosphere is most evident before tour groups arrive.
• Modest entry fee: Rp 5,000.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.