An art-filled oasis in Jakarta

An Indonesian artist, poet and sculptor born in Bandung, the capital of West Java, in 1918, Hendra Gunawan is one of the most renowned painters in Indonesian history, famously depicting historical events and the daily lives of people from different levels of society. He is respected for his role in the development of modern art at the beginning of Indonesia’s Independence years.  

Raffles Jakarta was founded by Dr (HC) Ir. Ciputra, an avid collector of Hendra Gunawan paintings. He made a promise to the artist that he would one day open a museum in his honour. True to his word, in March 2015 he opened Raffles Jakarta as a place where Gunawan's legacy comes to life. The artist's fluidity of movement and love of colour can be found in the daring palettes and design used throughout the hotel's magnificent interiors. There are also installations articulating subjects from Gunawan’s paintings, especially the charm of rural life and the beauty of nature. The intricate detailing of old trees and branches, and the bold curvature of people’s bodies are among his signature artistic styles.