For those of you who have been longing for a casual stroll around Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), here’s great news! The revitalization project of TIM is finally finished! The building that stands on Jalan Cikini Raya is ready to welcome you and it’s ready to provide the best venues for all creative people. With the concept of a mixed-use building, it’s hoped that TIM will be able to become an urban art center that allows people to create masterpieces. Since June 3, 2022, TIM has been open to the public. Let’s take a virtual stroll to see the beauty of TIM now!

The Magnificent Gedung Panjang TIM

Taman Ismail Marzuki from outside

The revitalization that has been going on since 2019 presents a new face named Gedung Panjang. There’s one interesting thing about the shape of this building. The design was based on the shape of the high and low notes of the song “Rayuan Pulau Kelapa” by Ismail Marzuki. If you look closely, this building looks like a staircase from a distance, it’s not flat like usual skyscrapers.

Gedung Panjang stands 14 stories high on the north side of TIM. In the future, these floors are planned to be occupied with retail, coworking spaces, and regional libraries that Smartcitizen can visit. For your information, this regional library is scheduled to open in July. Be on the lookout for more updates!

The corners of the regional library in TIM which is planned to open in July

Strolling Around TIM in June

Last June, to celebrate Bulan Seni Rupa, many beautiful art exhibitions were spread across the TIM Panjang Building and the Annex Gallery, one of which was the artwork from the exhibition entitled “Betawi Masa Kini, Masa Gitu?!”. The artworks presented are works with the theme of dialogue between contemporary discourse and Betawi culture.

Golden yellow shoes in the Annex Gallery. Installation of Dwi Rustanto, who participated in the exhibition entitled Betawi Masa Kini, Masa Gitu?!

Rumah Sumpit, a form of criticism conveyed through art

The corners of Annex Gallery

Now, let’s walk across to the Galeri Seni. Galeri Seni TIM exhibits various works of art like batik, watercolor paintings, and the beautiful manuscript of the Betawi Mushaf Al-Quran, an Al-Quran written in Arabic and framed with typical Betawi patterns like gambang kromong.

Al-Quran Mushaf Betawi

Beautiful batik at Galeri Seni

Up to the second floor, there are paintings and crafts displayed. Here, the works of autistic and hearing impaired children from the Kitaoneus Asia community are displayed, entitled Outsider Art Jakarta 2022. There are 26 works on display from 14 painters aged 13–26 years.

Artworks by Kitaoneus Asia community

TIM Open Spaces and Parking Area

In addition to these new buildings, TIM also provides open spaces and parking areas. These open spaces are expected to accommodate the needs of visitors to gather around as well as exchange ideas.

A nice space to hangout around TIM

Planning a trip to TIM? Great! TIM is easily accessible by public transportation. If you want to take Transjakarta, you can take Transjakarta 6H (Senen-Lebak Bulus) which passes in front of TIM. If you use the Commuter Line, you can get off at Cikini Station and walk for about one kilometer. With the MRT, you can stop at the Bundaran HI MRT Station, which is about 3 kilometers from TIM.

As citizens of Jakarta, we’re certainly delighted and proud to have beautiful and well-maintained public spaces that can be used together. So, if you visit TIM, make sure you always follow the rules while also keeping the space clean and neat.

If you missed last June’s exhibitions, fret not! There’ll be exhibitions and other activities at TIM. For the latest info, go follow @wajahbaru_tim on Instagram. Have a pleasant journey!