Jakarta’s oldest surviving movie theater, a historic multipurpose complex that has screened films since the nation’s first film festival in 1955.
At a glance
Metropole stands as Jakarta’s oldest surviving cinema. The complex blends cultural heritage with contemporary commerce, housing the Metropole XXI theater operated by 21 Cineplex, alongside retail and dining tenants including Starbucks, a bakery, and an upscale Indonesian restaurant.
History
Metropole holds a distinguished place in Indonesian cinema history. It screened films during the first Indonesian Film Festival in 1955, establishing itself as a venue of national cultural importance. Decades later, the theater hosted screenings at the 16th Asia Pacific Film Festival in 1970, further cementing its regional significance. The building was officially recognized as an architectural heritage site by Jakarta’s governor in 1993, preserving its status for future generations.
What you see
The complex functions as a multipurpose building with the Metropole XXI theater occupying the main structure. The second floor accommodates contemporary retail and dining spaces. Its role as both heritage monument and active commercial venue reflects Jakarta’s layered urban development.
Cultural significance
Metropole represents a bridge between Indonesia’s early cinema era and modern urban culture. Its survival as the city’s oldest functioning movie theater makes it a rare physical archive of Jakarta’s mid-twentieth-century cultural life, while its continued operation ensures cinema traditions endure in the city center.
Key facts
- Country: Indonesia
- City: Jakarta
- Coordinates: -6.2°, 106.84°
- Listed as architectural heritage site: 1993
- Host venue: Indonesian Film Festival (1955) and 16th Asia Pacific Film Festival (1970)
Practical information & getting there
Metropole is centrally located in Jakarta. The complex operates as a functioning multiplex cinema and shopping destination, with the Metropole XXI theater and various retail outlets open to visitors. Coordinate your visit with cinema schedules and tenant hours.
Sources & resources
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