28 March 2014 - The Philippines will upgrade its representation in Indonesia by constructing a new chancery in Jakarta.
The new chancery will rise at the site of the old chancery which was demolished in 2010.
The property in the Menteng district of Jakarta was acquired by the Philippine Government in the 1940s. While many foreign missions have transferred to the more modern sections of Jakarta, several ASEAN, Asian, African and European missions have opted to remain in Menteng which, being the historic embassy row of Jakarta, remains a prestigious address. It is considered a heritage site where the architecture of new buildings still have to conform to a certain style and remain no higher than two levels. The design of the new chancery, after lengthy discussions, obtained the approval of the Heritage Council which required that at least the façade be done in the Belanda (Dutch) style. The rest of the structure is inspired by Vigan homes. The marrying of the two styles was successfully conceptualized by young Filipino architect, Azhari Rasuman.
The contractor selected through public bidding is PT. Dekotama Ciptakreasi whose President, Mr. Tamin Tanzil, signed the contract with Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario C. Aguinaldo on March 13. A simple cornerstone-laying ceremony was held on March 20, in the presence of Dekotama’s President and Embassy officials to signal the official start of the construction project.
The timing of this project is all the more symbolic as the Philippines and Indonesia celebrate the 65th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. END