TIMES SINGAPORE, JAKARTA – This December, House of Tugu in Old Town Jakarta invites guests into a festive celebration shaped by culture, compassion, and the warmth of Indonesian hospitality.

Known as a sanctuary where the stories of Batavia are preserved through architecture, antiques, and soulful culinary traditions, the house transforms into a place where the spirit of Christmas is felt not only through festive flavors but also through the shared joy of giving.

The highlight of this year’s celebration is Harmonious Season of Giving, a series of Christmas carol sessions performed beneath Jajaghu Restaurant’s majestic Madja Tree. Candlelight flickers across heirloom porcelain, Peranakan details glow softly under red lanterns, and the melodies of the season echo gently against centuries-old artworks.

It is an atmosphere that feels both intimate and grand, a setting where Christmas takes on a distinctly Indonesian character without losing its universal warmth.

This year, the celebration carries a deeper meaning. House of Tugu welcomes children from Rumah Singgah Kasih Ampera (RSKA), a home for children with special needs, including autism, Down syndrome, and hearing or speech impairments. These young performers bring with them an honest, heartfelt joy that cannot be replicated.

Their carols are not staged performances but shared moments, filled with sincerity and hope. As they sing under the Madja Tree and walk through the historic hallways of the house, the festive spirit becomes more than decoration. It becomes an act of community, remembrance, and compassion. This Christmas Carol session will be held on Saturday, 6 December 2025 at 1 pm.

Guests are invited to experience these performances as part of the season’s offerings, creating memories grounded in kindness and connection.

A Festive Menu Rooted in Tradition and Story

To complement the celebration, the culinary team of House of Tugu has crafted a seasonal menu inspired by European Christmas traditions while embracing the house’s rich Indonesian setting.

The journey begins with Meatball and Cranberry Puff, a warm and delicate pairing of savory meatballs, tangy cranberry sauce, and buttery pastry. It sets the tone for a comforting and celebratory meal, echoing the familiar flavor memories of the season.

The second course brings a touch of Scandinavia to Old Town Jakarta with Norwegian Fiskesuppe, a creamy fish soup prepared with salmon, barramundi, carrot, celery, and a deeply aromatic broth. The dish feels both homely and elegant, a nod to winter traditions while remaining adapted to Jakarta’s tropical air.

For the main course, guests may choose from three festive favorites. The Beef Wellington highlights Australian tenderloin wrapped in golden pastry and served with sautéed asparagus, oyster mushrooms, and a red wine reduction.

The Grilled Barramundi is bright and refreshing, topped with mango salsa and paired with fragrant Mexican rice, ending with a coconut curry sauce that ties the dish into Southeast Asian comfort. And finally, the Tugu Roasted Turkey brings a timeless holiday favorite, served with baked potatoes, apples, and prunes, recalling the generosity of Christmas gatherings around the world.

Desserts include the Coffee Pannacotta with Salted Caramel Crème, a silky combination of warm caramel and aromatic coffee, and the Tropical Christmas Pandan Dome, which layers pandan and banana into an airy, aromatic finish that reflects Indonesia’s own festive flavors.

Special Christmas hampers, such as the Tower Craquelin with Red Velvet and Matcha, are also available for guests wishing to bring home a taste of the celebration.

A House Built on Story, Art, and Heritage

House of Tugu stands as one of Jakarta’s most distinctive cultural landmarks. Created by Anhar Setjadibrata, founder of Tugu Hotels, the house is a living museum filled with stories from the Indonesian archipelago.

Each room, each painting, and each sculpture reflects the layered history of Batavia, shaped by Chinese Peranakan families, Dutch trading routes, and indigenous Indonesian traditions. Throughout the festive season, this setting becomes even more evocative, as the glow of candlelight and Christmas decor highlights the timeless details of the house.

The celebration also extends beyond dining. Guests are encouraged to explore the house at their own pace, discovering hidden courtyards, historic chambers, and the rich collection of antiques that reflect centuries of cultural exchange. It is an experience of Christmas that feels rooted, soulful, and unmistakably Indonesian, yet welcoming to guests from all backgrounds.

For reservations and inquiries, guests can contact 0811 8711 248 for quick assistance regarding availability and services. Updates on events, promotions, and daily highlights are also shared on Instagram at @houseoftugujakarta. Light up your Christmas with the House of Tugu. (*)