Gambir, Jakarta

Gambir is a subdistrict of Central Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia. It is characterized by many historic buildings from the colonial era. Gambir Subdistrict is the location of many political and administrative center of Jakarta and Indonesia. The Merdeka Palace (the presidential palace of Indonesia), the National Museum and the Merdeka Square (the location of the National Monument) are located in Gambir.

Gambir is bounded by the Flood Canal () to the west, the river Ciliwung to the east, KH Zainul Arifin and Sukarjo Wiryopranoto Road to the north, and Kebon Sirih Raya Road to the south.

The City Hall of Central Jakarta is located in South Petojo, Gambir Subdistrict. One of the busiest railway station of Jakarta, Gambir Station, is located in Gambir, Gambir Subdistrict.

History

The area of Gambir Subdistrict, especially the area within the Administrative Village of Gambir, was centered around an open area known as the Merdeka Square. This open area was known as Champ de Mars in 1808 and Koningsplein in 1816. The Koningsplein was surrounded with colonial buildings which has become the character of Gambir administrative village. Some of these colonial buildings are now one of the landmark of Jakarta, such as the Willemskerk (now the Immanuel Church) and The Batavian Society of Arts and Science (now the National Museum).

Toponym

The name Gambir is taken from the name of a French-decent Dutch lieutenant named...
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