Gedung Agung Yogyakarta

The Gedung Agung is a huge and beautiful mansion that has served as the residence of the Dutch governor or the head of administrator of Dutch Colonial System during 1946-49 and also the president when Yogyakarta had been the temporary capital of Indonesia. It was president Soekarno, the first national leader of Indonesia who had stayed in Gedung Agung. The house is located on Maliboro Street.

The construction of this building began in 1869 and it acted as the shelter of the Dutch governors during the disastrous Japanese invasion. The mansion has been a witness to many significant events and has also seen in its periphery, many a great personalities. The Gedung Agung performed the functions of both a residence and an office and most of the presidential palaces do the same. The palace is also used to commemorate the momentary of Indonesian proclaim for Yogyakarta special administrative territory and to orchestrate a twilight parade on the 17th day of every month. This parade was initiated on 17th April 1988.

Gedung Agung still retains its original structure and has not been refurbished since its construction in 1869. The headroom of Gedung Agung, also known as the Garuda Room, has acted as the official room and was used to receive dignitaries and other significant visitors of high ranks. There is also an art complex near the Gedung Agung that initially belonged to the Information department but was later on absorbed as a part of the whole palace structure. There is an Andesit stone monument that is situated right in front of the Gedung Agung. The monument is called the Dagoba and is 3.5 meters high.

The Gedung Agung is not only important as a place of political significance but it has great value since it has witnessed some major chapters in the history of Yogyakarta and Indonesia. Don't miss out this magnificent palace on your trip to Yogyakarta.