Nestled in the heart of Jakarta, the Menteng Pulo Dutch war cemetery stands as a serene tribute to those who have fallen. With its distinctive Simultaan church and the peaceful columbarium, the site offers a moment of reflection amidst the bustling cityscape. This cemetery, the most prominent of the seven in Indonesia, hosts the main Dutch national commemorations of the 4th of May (National Remembrance Day) and the 15th of August (Cessation of the Second World War in Asia). Menteng Pulo war cemetery serves as a significant place of remembrance for around 4,000 war victims from World War II and the Indonesian National Revolution. Among these is Lieutenant General S.H. Spoor, who laid the first stone of the war cemetery, and who rests here alongside his comrades.
Video: How to get to Ereveld Menteng Pulo
The foundation of Menteng Pulo war cemetery was laid out by Reserve Lieutenant Colonel Ir. H. A. van Oerle, engineer commander C. of the 7 December Division. Under van Oerle’s guidance, the war cemetery was meticulously designed and developed in phases, positioning the Simultaan church and the columbarium at its heart, symbolising the core of remembrance and reflection.
Initially, this cemetery was situated on the outskirts of Jakarta, surrounded by palm trees, a tranquil spot seemingly in the middle of nowhere. However, with Jakarta’s rapid growth, the once-remote location is now enveloped by towering skyscrapers, placing the cemetery in the heart of the bustling city.
The site’s transformation began at the central mound, where a concrete building belonging to the Japanese once stood. After the building was dismantled, Ir. H.A. van Oerle began construction of the war cemetery, turning it into a sacred ground of commemoration.
The establishment of the cemetery was officially marked by Lieutenant General S.H. Spoor on 8 December 1947, an act that underscored the significance of this memorial site within the broader historical and cultural landscape of the region. As Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL), Lieutenant General Spoor emphasised the diverse backgrounds of the war victims buried here and the equal respect given to all.Â
A pivotal aspect of the cemetery’s history is the process of reburials, a profound undertaking that speaks to the unity and respect for those who served and suffered. Initially, the Graves Registration Unit of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL) developed 22 war cemeteries across Indonesia. However, in a significant consolidation effort during the 1960s, at the request of the Indonesian government, these war cemeteries were merged into the current seven war cemeteries in Java, including Menteng Pulo.
This cemetery, in particular, has seen the reburial of war victims from Bandjermasin (1961), Tarakan (1964), Menado (1965), Palembang (1967), Balikpapan (1967), Makassar (1968), and Tjililitan (1968). This ensures that the final resting places of these individuals receive the utmost care and respect, while also enabling families to easily pay tribute to their loved ones.
The first civilians interred here were a couple, husband and wife van Harreveld, on 14 December 1946. Infantry soldier W. van Kammen was the first military to be buried at the cemetery, with the burial taking place on 11 February 1947.
Lieutenant General Spoor himself was laid to rest here among his men when he passed away on 25 May 1949, further solidifying the cemetery’s importance as a symbol of remembrance and unity. These burials mark the beginning of a sanctuary where history, reflection, and respect converge.
At the heart of Menteng Pulo war cemetery, the Simultaan church stands as a solemn beacon of unity and remembrance. Constructed from white plastered brick, its elegant structure offers a quiet place of contemplation and solace. Completed in 1950, the church is not used for regular religious services but opens its doors for the Netherlands national commemorations and special occasions. The church’s design, featuring a simple yet poignant altar within its rectangular interior, invites visitors from all walks of life to reflect on the sacrifices commemorated here.
The Simultaan church is adorned with symbols of life and God’s creation. As you approach the church, you’ll notice that even from the entrance, wrought iron shaped into meaningful symbols adorns the doors. On the right side, the ironwork features birds, animals native to Indonesia, and trees, while on the left side, it depicts fish, plants, and fruits. These artistic details invite reflection on the beauty and diversity of life.
The symbolism continues inside the church. As you walk in, along the right side of the patterned wall with holes facing the columbarium, you can find other evocative symbols. One such symbol is an hourglass, signifying the passage of time. Another profound symbol is the butterfly, representing the psyche or soul, surrounded by an ouroboros—a serpent eating its own tail—an ancient emblem of eternity. This imagery conveys the idea that the soul is eternal, never dying, and forever enduring. These elements, and others like it in the church, create a space rich with symbolism and meaning, enhancing the church’s role as a place of remembrance and contemplation.
The towering bell, which once resided in the church tower, has been relocated across the church, making it easily visible to visitors. This bell is actively used and rung during Dutch national commemorations, its sound resonating as a reminder of gratitude and remembrance. This architectural gem, nestled within the cemetery, provides a profound space where history, reflection, and hope converge.
Adjacent to the Simultaan church, the columbarium stands as a poignant testament to resilience and remembrance within Menteng Pulo war cemetery. This elegantly designed structure, with its corridors upheld by white round pillars, houses 754 urns containing the ashes of Dutch prisoners of war who perished in Japan. These urns were discovered by U.S. troops and subsequently brought to Indonesia to be placed in this columbarium.
The serene atmosphere of the columbarium offers a space for quiet reflection. Inside the columbarium, and also in parts of the church, are mosaic windows created in 1949 by the glass artist C. Stauthamer. These windows are not only artistic masterpieces but also carry deep symbolic meaning. In the columbarium, the iconic glass mosaic windows represent the brotherhood that has since developed between Indonesia and the Netherlands. This sacred section of the cemetery invites visitors to pause and ponder the stories of courage and sacrifice it encapsulates, serving as a bridge between past and present, and individual and collective memory.
This central monument serves as the focal point for Dutch National commemorations at Menteng Pulo war cemetery. The Dutch national flag is displayed here only during national ceremonies and special visits. The area in front of the monument is commonly used for placing wreaths, commemorating the memory of those who perished.
Featuring an actual propeller from a fallen plane from the Indonesian National Revolution era, the Aviation Monument highlights the vital role of aviators. This section of the cemetery is also the final resting place for many victims from the Cililitan Air Base.
This monument is dedicated to the Department of Shipping and stands in memory of those who lost their lives between 1940 and 1945. It serves as a solemn tribute to the maritime personnel who faced perilous conditions during the war.
The Glodok Memorial commemorates war victims, particularly those interned at the Glodok camps. These internees suffered during World War II, and the plaque serves as a reminder of their hardships and resilience.
This poignant statue depicts the suffering of children during wartime, illustrating the impact of malnutrition and the loss of innocence. A hand on the left side of the statue symbolises death’s reach, emphasising the tragedy faced by the youngest victims of war.
A replica of the original Burma-Thailand Cross, made by prisoners of war from the wood of the Burma-Thailand railway. This cross is a tribute to those who perished during the construction and maintenance of the railway, reflecting the harsh conditions endured by the forced labourers.
This urn serves as a memorial for the unknown soldiers, featuring a relief of a woman raising both her hands with a torch in her right hand. The inscription above reads “Their Spirit has Overcome,” echoing the motto of the Graves Registration Unit of the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army (KNIL).
These two plaques of black natural stone bear the names of army soldiers who died but whose remains were never found and who don’t have a grave at the war cemeteries.
Commemorating the First ‘7 December’ Division, this monument remembers those sent to the former Dutch East Indies between 1946 and 1950. The division is named after Queen Wilhelmina’s speech in London on 7 December 1942. This speech became the guiding mandate for the conscripts of the 7 December Division.
Gate
Parking Area
Ereveld Menteng Pulo Main Gate
First Stone of Ereveld Menteng Pulo
Pendopo, Information Centre & Guest Book
Toilet
Aviator Monument
Shipping Monument
Glodok Memorial Stone
Rosarium
Flag Monument
Memorial Statue to Child of War
Ereveld & CWGC Connecting Gate
Copper Bell
Simultan Church
Columbarium
Garden & Pond
The Royal Netherlands Army Monument
The 7 December Division (7DD) Flagpole
The 7 December Division (7DD) Monument
Grave Sign Workshop
Ereveld Menteng Pulo Supervisor’s House
General Visits:
During visiting hours, Menteng Pulo war cemetery welcomes individuals and small groups to the serene grounds at their own pace, taking time to reflect on the histories and stories that the war cemetery holds. The tranquil paths and solemn monuments provide a contemplative environment for all who come to pay their respects.
Group Visitation and Tours:
For those interested in a more structured visit or group tours, it’s important to note the staff’s working hours. During these times, we may be able to accommodate group visits with a guided tour led by the war cemetery manager (with prior notice and confirmed availability). These tours offer a deeper insight into the significance of the site and the stories of those commemorated here, making them ideal for educational groups, organisations, or anyone looking to understand more about this historical site.
Guided Tours with Partner Organisations:
For visitors whose schedules do not align with our staff working hours, or who prefer a professional guided experience, we have partnered with reputable local guides in Jakarta. Please let us know if you’re interested and we will redirect you to our partners.
If you’re interested in learning about the types of visits available at the war cemetery, please visit our Visit Us page.
Media coverage, research, flying drones, professional photography sessions and conducting events within the war cemetery requires permission. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in maintaining the sanctity of this solemn space.
Every day, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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