javaprivatetour.com – Hey there, travel enthusiasts! Imagine strolling through the vibrant streets of Jakarta, immersing yourself in its rich history, and stumbling upon fascinating tales of a secret society that left its mark on the city. Welcome to the captivating world of Freemasonry in Jakarta, where hidden rituals and mysterious gatherings once took place.
Before the Unveiling: A Glimpse into Jakarta’s Past
As you traverse the bustling streets of Jakarta, it’s hard to believe that behind the modern façade lies a history deeply intertwined with Freemasonry. This clandestine organization found its way to Indonesia during the pre-independence era, leaving behind enigmatic structures scattered across the archipelago.
One such intriguing edifice stands tall on Jalan Budi Utomo in Central Jakarta, now known as the Kimia Farma Building. Erected in 1848, this architectural marvel was once a meeting place for Freemasons, known as ‘De Ster in het Oosten’ or the ‘Star in the East.’ Locals, unaware of the Masonic activities, dubbed it the ‘house of demons’ due to the rumored rituals involving summoning spirits of the departed.
The Rise of Freemasonry in the Archipelago
Freemasonry infiltrated Indonesia alongside the Dutch East India Company (VOC) soldiers. The presence of Freemasonry is evident in the gravestones of VOC soldiers, adorned with Masonic symbols, found in the Taman Prasasti Museum in Jakarta. The establishment of formal lodges, however, awaited the arrival of English Freemasons.
The first lodge, La Choisie, was founded in Batavia in 1762 (some sources mention 1764) by Jacobus Cornelis Mattheus Radermacher. Unfortunately, this initial lodge’s existence was short-lived, dissolving in 1766, possibly due to government opposition and Radermacher’s return to the Netherlands.
In 1767, a new lodge, Le Fidele Sincerite, emerged, followed by La Vertueuse in 1769. These lodges laid the foundation for Freemasonry in the Dutch East Indies. The year 1837 marked a pivotal moment as Le Sincerite and Vertueuse merged to form a grand lodge named ‘De Ster in het Oosten’ or the ‘Star in the East.’ The legacy lives on in the current building housing the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) on Jalan Taman Suropati.
Embarking on a Journey: Tracing the Footprints of Freemasonry in Batavia
Embark on a historical journey to uncover two prominent Masonic lodges that have withstood the test of time in Jakarta. The Kimia Farma Building on Jalan Budi Utomo and the Bappenas Building in Menteng stand as silent witnesses to Freemasonry’s clandestine activities.
Jalan Budi Utomo, formerly known as Vrijmetselaars Street, housed the La Vertueuse Lodge. Despite its transformation into a pharmaceutical company’s office, the colonial architecture, marked by four majestic pillars, still echoes its Masonic past. The removal of occult symbols hasn’t erased the building’s unique charm.
On the other hand, the Bappenas Building in Menteng, formerly known as Adhuc Stat, served as the new sanctuary for the Bintang Timur Lodge from 1934. Designed by NE Burkoven Jaspers, the building witnessed a resurgence of Masonic activities after World War II. Despite its name changes, the building’s architecture reflects the grandeur of Freemasonry.
Closing the Chapter: Freemasonry’s Impact on Jakarta
As you explore Jakarta’s hidden gems, the Freemason legacy adds a layer of mystery to the city’s narrative. From the Kimia Farma Building’s ominous reputation as the ‘house of demons’ to the enduring structures that housed Freemasonry’s rituals, Jakarta’s streets echo with whispers of a secret society that once thrived in the shadows.
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