MET Glodok is a new artist-run space in the heart of Jakarta's Chinatown, Glodok. It aims to preserve and share Chinese-Indonesian heritage through cultural encounters. Having acculturated to local Indonesian traditions, Chinese-Indonesians have a unique and distinct socio-cultural heritage when compared to those from mainland China and other Chinese diasporas around the world.
Yet, as a minority group with a recent history of being nationally persecuted, they occupy a liminal space in the country. This is primarily seen in how Chinese Indonesians often find their histories and cultures erased from national narratives. This is where spaces such as MET Glodok come into view to help Chinese Indonesians find space to celebrate, mourn and heal their collective histories. At the same time, spaces such as MET Glodok also give the general public the ability to learn more about Chinese-Indonesian heritage. This can lead to the development of a sense of appreciation for Chinese-Indonesian culture, one that will help to humanize the ethnic group in their eyes through shared humanitarian values. This is why MET Glodok's work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.
The establishment opened its doors in a private soft opening in the last week of September 2024. They held a series of talks with relevant local stakeholders, including founder Metta Setiandi, archaeologist Candrian Attahiyat and the space's architects Nuttawadee Techavichitpisarn & Vania Budiman. MET Glodok also doubles as a studio for its founder, a multidisciplinary artist who grew up in the area and whose work have often been imbued with the vibrancy of Chinese-Indonesian culture.
In the talk with Attahiyat, Ko Lie Thong joined as a guest panelist. Lie Thong is none other than Setiandi's father, an elderly gentleman who has spent his life witnessing how the Glodok Chinatown has changed over the years. In the conversation, Lie Thong was able to complement Attahiyat’s historical analyses with real-life testimonies. They shared memories of times seemingly long gone, when Chinese herbal apothecaries reigned and milk was delivered to people’s doorsteps in glass bottles. The session ended with Setiandi announcing the launch of the MET Podcast series, where guests such as Lie Thong and Attahiyat will share their stories of Glodok.
Aside from podcasts, MET Glodok will also be hosting interactive Glodok Heritage Tours– the first of which will focus on telling the story of the Tian family, who arrived in Batavia (Old Town Jakarta) in the early 20th Century from Fu Jian province. To further engage with people, they have also included a gallery space called the MET Artist Series, to showcase the works of artists working with different mediums who are reflecting on the area. Finally, the space includes a café managed by Setiandi’s sister, Lalita Setiandi, who also runs her own bakery and café named Lit Bakehouse in the neighbourhood.
MET Glodok is a significant new cultural space in Jakarta’s Chinatown, dedicated to preserving and celebrating Chinese-Indonesian heritage. Amid a history of persecution and cultural erasure, this artist-run initiative provides a platform for Chinese-Indonesians to share their collective histories and traditions. By fostering dialogue and cultural exchange, MET Glodok not only empowers the Chinese-Indonesian community, but also encourages other ethnic groups in Indonesia to appreciate and humanize their unique heritage. Through its programs and events, MET Glodok is making strides toward reducing cultural inequalities for Chinese-Indonesians.
Find out more about MET Glodok on their website www.metglodok.com or Instagram @met_glodok.