Anticipating the Arrival of the City’s Far East Speakeasy Bar This June
Jakarta, June 2026 — House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta is preparing to unveil De Tiger, a Far East Speakeasy Bar opening on June 26, 2026. Inspired by the world that once thrived around Sunda Kelapa and Kali Besar, De Tiger brings history, cocktails, culture, and nightlife together into one immersive destination.
At the heart of De Tiger is Merem, a one-eyed Javanese tiger whose extraordinary story has become part of House of Tugu’s living heritage. Once rescued by Raden Adjeng Kasinem, the first wife of Oei Tiong Ham, Merem would eventually become the inspiration behind a bar built around the world he once inhabited.
Nestled within a colonial heritage building along Kali Besar Barat, De Tiger occupies a space steeped in memory, where merchant ships from distant lands once dropped anchor carrying spices, silks, teas, porcelain, and endless stories into the port of Sunda Kelapa
Foreign traders, mariners, nobility, and the Peranakan community once gathered here, shaping the cosmopolitan character of old Batavia. When the warehouses closed for the day, another side of the city quietly came alive through conversation, encounters, and the energy of the night.
A Glimpse Behind Every Sip — and Every Platter
De Tiger’s menu unfolds in curated chapters, each exploring a different facet of old Batavia: ambition, adventure, mystery, and hospitality. Every cocktail and mocktail draws inspiration from the spices and commodities that once travelled through Sunda Kelapa’s maritime routes. For De Tiger, the spice route is not simply an ancient trading path, but a source of stories, flavours, and cultural exchange that continue to shape the experience today.
Guests can immerse themselves in these narratives through signature libations, starting with 100 Karung Kopi. This rich, deeply nuanced cocktail is inspired by the historical exchange where Raden Adjeng Kasinem purchased Merem’s freedom with large sacks of coffee from the Kawisari plantation, placing this crop at the center of the story as the price of a second chance. Another highlight is Gedoeng Goelo Matjan, a luxurious nod to Batavia’s thriving sugar trade and the commercial legacy of Oei Tiong Ham, masterfully pairing popcorn whiskey and marshmallow to pay tribute to the golden age of the district.
To complement the libations, De Tiger is also preparing
a gastronomic journey born from the harmonious marriage of Javanese heritage, Peranakan nuances, and coastal maritime influences—a sophisticated culinary homage to the cosmopolitan lifestyle that once defined the area. The journey reaches a rich, soulful finale with Midnight Tiger from The Last Lantern chapter, which beautifully blends coffee and cocoa—commodities deeply tied to both Merem’s origin story and the port’s maritime heritage.
These elevated culinary creations feature the Midnight Katsu Burger with Curry Leaf Slaw, a bold take inspired by Batavia’s late-night taverns that combines a crisp golden katsu with a fragrant curry leaf slaw to honor the stories and spices that once flowed through Sunda Kelapa’s trading routes
History as Identity
Behind the name De Tiger lies the story of Merem, a one-eyed Javanese tiger who once belonged to the prominent Oei Tiong Ham family.
In the early 1900s, Merem was rescued by Raden Adjeng Kasinem after being found injured at a public amusement arena in Java. He was brought to Batavia to recover and was housed in a warehouse near Sunda Kelapa, now part of the House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta complex.
In Kali Besar, Merem escaped, was recaptured, healed, and eventually lived a peaceful life within Oei Tiong Ham’s residence for many years. When he passed away, he returned one final time to the Kali Besar warehouse before being taken to the home of Oei Tiong Ham’s descendants in Bangkok.
Today, Merem is the heart of De Tiger. His story bridges past and present, transforming history from something to be observed into something to be experienced.
A Different Experience Every Evening
As the evening unfolds, De Tiger transforms alongside it. Guests can discover a different side of old town nights through evolving ambiances, from upbeat live jazz performances to contemporary DJ sets that capture the energy, mystery, and spirit of Batavia after dark.
Part of the House of Tugu Journey
Alongside Jajaghu and Babah Koffie by Kawisari, the arrival of De Tiger further strengthens House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta’s commitment to The Art of Indonesian Living, a cultural ecosystem where history, culinary arts, and nightlife come together seamlessly.
For Tugu Group, history is not a frozen artifact, but a living legacy that continues to evolve through spaces, flavours, and meaningful experiences.
De Tiger is ready to welcome guests starting June 26, 2026, operating from Tuesday to Sunday, from 17:00 WIB until late.
This announcement follows another milestone for House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta, having just been named the #4 Best City Hotel in Indonesia at the Travel+Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, a recognition that further affirms its place among the region’s most celebrated heritage destinations.
