Timeless Elegance. A fusion of beauty that transcends the boundaries of time. It doesn’t merely pass—it remains ever-relevant and captivating through the ages. There is a quiet yet striking grace in it, blending the perfection of ideas, enduring quality, and deep respect for classic values. Timeless Elegance never demands attention, yet effortlessly radiates an undeniable charm—a true embodiment of beauty cherished by every generation.
Yasa amrta
Construction of this traditional house began in May 2018 and was officially handed over in November 2021. The traditional house complex spans approximately 4,571.25 square meters. The name Yasa Amrta is derived from Sanskrit—Yasa meaning Eternal, and Amrta meaning Life. Together, the name signifies Eternal Life.
The complex features a total of three traditional houses and one gate structure. These houses are part of the private collection of Mrs. Giok Hartono.
Regol, or gate, serves as the main entrance to the central courtyard from the southern side of the house.
It features 11 levels of tumpangsari (tiered roof structure).
House A (Griya Ageng) is the central and largest house, serving as the main residence. It features a complete set of rooms, including a reception area (Jogo Satru), with a single central pillar (Saka Geder) positioned on the left side—signifying that the head of the household is a woman.
The next room is the bedroom (Gedongan), located toward the inner side of the house, featuring 9 levels of tumpangsari. On the left (east) side is the Pakiwan or Pawon—the kitchen—distinguished by ventilation openings that allow smoke to escape. Lastly, there is an additional room (Gandokan) on the west side, which functions as a storage area.
House B (Griya Kilen) is located on the west side. It consists only of a reception room and a bedroom, the latter featuring 11 levels of tumpangsari. This house is designated as the display area for a set of gamelan instruments from Mrs. Giok Hartono’s private collection. The gamelan set was acquired in the Sragen area and comes with an official certificate.
House C (Griya Wetan) is located on the east side. Just like Griya Kilen, it consists of a reception room and a bedroom, with the bedroom featuring 11 levels of tumpangsari.
The Kulah, or traditional bathroom, is a structure that includes a well, an open stall without a door used for bathing and relieving oneself, and a padasan or clay water jar for cleansing and performing ablution (wudhu). Traditionally, the kulah is located at the front left side of the house. Guests would cleanse themselves here before entering the home.
According to local stories, the kulah also served a unique purpose: it was the place where parents would discreetly observe a potential son-in-law from afar, as their daughter drew water from the well.
In addition to the traditional houses, the area also features several artworks that adorn the complex—created by renowned artists, including:
Pintor Sirait is a metal sculptor of Batak descent, born in Germany. He created a piece titled “Bunga Kemangi”—a replica inspired by one of the traditional carvings found in the house.
Syahrizal Zain Koto, also known as Syahrizal Koto, is a sculptor born in Padang and currently based in Yogyakarta. He created a sculpture titled “Penari” (The Dancer), which adorns the southern side of Griya Kilen.
Yani Maryani Sastranegara is one of the few female sculptors, born in Rangkasbitung, Banten. Her artwork displayed at the Yasa Amrta traditional house is titled “Sepasang Pohon Randu” (A Pair of Kapok Trees). Alongside this sculpture, there is also a beautifully inscribed copper plate featuring a poem entitled “Kidung Hening Taru Raya” (The Silent Song of the Great Tree), which poetically captures the inspiration and atmosphere behind the artwork.
Ketut Winata, a metal sculptor born in Bali, created several pieces that enhance the beauty of the traditional house complex, including:
Bollard lamps featuring a tobacco leaf motif—shaped like gunungan wayang (traditional Javanese shadow puppet mountain figures) and adorned with clove flower designs—illuminate the pathway throughout the area.
Garden pole lamps are designed with tobacco leaf motifs at their base and clove flower ornaments along the lamp stems. Made from copper, these poles gradually develop a greenish patina over time due to natural oxidation. These lamps illuminate the areas surrounding the house, including the front and sides.
The flagpole features a tobacco leaf motif at the base of its cylindrical structure, crafted from copper metal that has developed a green patina—matching the garden lamp posts. This pole proudly serves as the place where the Sang Saka Merah Putih, the national flag of Indonesia, is hoisted.
A pair of dragon sculptures soaring through the clouds adorns the southern side of Griya Wetan. These artworks are crafted from copper and display a distinctive green patina, adding an ethereal touch to the space.
F. Widayanto is a sculptor and ceramic artist born in Jakarta. His work—a series of three-dimensional mosaic tiles—graces the floors of all the traditional houses, including the kulah (bathhouse) and the well area, adding texture and artistry to every step within the complex.
Artist’s Signature: F. Widayanto
Mosaic Floor of Griya Ageng, featuring Banana Leaf and Butterfly Motifs
Mosaic Floor of Griya Kulon, featuring Taro Leaf, Sheaf of Rice, and Dragonfly Motifs
Mosaic Floor of Griya Wetan, featuring Taro Leaf and Butterfly Motifs
Mosaic Wall of the Kulah, featuring Tobacco Leaf, Clove Flower, Butterfly, and Dove Motifs
Armonia Choir Indonesia
Armonia Choir Indonesia was founded on September 9, 2002, initiated by Mrs. Giok Hartono. This choir is composed of women who share a common passion and love for art and culture. Today, Armonia consists of 37 active members under the direction of Mr. Baruno Wibowo as Conductor, with Mrs. Giok Hartono serving as Advisor and Mrs. Jo Soek Fa as Chairperson.
In preserving Indonesian culture, Armonia Choir actively performs traditional songs, complete with dances and traditional attire from various regions across the country. These performances can be viewed on the Armonia Choir Indonesia YouTube channel.
Armonia Choir also actively participates in various concerts, festivals, and performances both nationally and internationally, including:
Solo Concert “Christmas with Armonia”, 2023, Kempinski Ballroom, Jakarta
Indonesia-Korea Festival, 2023, Seoul, South Korea
Christmas Pukat Concert in 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2016, Ciputra Artpreneur, Jakarta
Indonesia Moscow Festival, 2019, Moscow, Russia
Art of Nusantara Festival, Indonesian Embassy, 2019, Bangkok, Thailand
Singapore National Day 2017, Singapore Embassy, Jakarta
RRI Anniversary 2017, Galeri Indonesia Kaya, Jakarta
RRI Anniversary 2016 – “Kopral Jono”, Jakarta Arts Building, Indonesia
Indonesia Pusaka Concert, 2015, Carnegie Hall, New York, USA
Indonesia Pusaka Concert, 2012, UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France
Gala Concert “Indonesia Pusaka”, Presidential Palace, 2011, Bogor, Indonesia
Indonesia Pusaka Concert, 2010, Melbourne Recital Centre, Australia
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Armonia released a single titled “Melodi Cinta” (Melody of Love). The song tells the story of the togetherness shared among Armonia Choir members throughout their 20-year journey. Armonia Choir continues to inspire both the younger and older generations to keep creating, embracing the arts, and preserving culture for the beloved nation of Indonesia.
Ledre Intip Pisang is a traditional delicacy made from glutinous rice that is half-cooked until it forms a crispy rice crust (intip). Once cooked, slices of banana are added and the snack is folded in half. The outer layer is intentionally browned and slightly charred, giving it a distinct flavor and texture—hence the name Ledre Intip.
This dish has existed since ancient times and is mentioned in the Serat Centhini, a classical Javanese culinary manuscript. However, today, Ledre Intip Pisang has become increasingly rare, with only a few vendors still offering it.
Otak-otak is a traditional Indonesian delicacy that is especially popular around the Strait of Malacca and the Karimata Strait. It is widely found in many coastal cities across Sumatra and Java. The dish is made from minced mackerel, wrapped in banana leaves, grilled to perfection, and typically served with a savory peanut sauce.
Sate Serepeh is a well-known traditional dish from Rembang Regency in Central Java. The name Serepeh comes from the word repeh, which refers to a reddish-colored sauce. Unlike most chicken satays that use peanut sauce, Sate Serepeh features a unique sauce made from finely ground gula Jawa (palm sugar) mixed with rich, savory coconut milk.
Selat Solo is a traditional dish from the city of Solo that reflects European culinary influence. During the colonial era of the Dutch East Indies, Europeans introduced various ingredients and cooking techniques to Indonesia, which later blended with local flavors to create this unique dish.
This dish is a fusion of European-style beef steak, salad, and soup, adapted to suit Javanese tastes. The European influence is evident in the use of mustard and Worcestershire sauce, while the Javanese preference for sweetness comes through in the generous use of sweet soy sauce (kecap manis).
Mie Kopyok is served as a flavorful combination of noodles, rice cakes (lontong), bean sprouts, and slices of fried tofu (tahu pong), all topped with a light garlic-infused broth. It’s finished with chili sambal and a generous sprinkle of crushed kerupuk gendar (crackers made from rice and tapioca).
This traditional Semarang dish is called Mie Kopyok because the garlic and salt seasoning liquid, usually stored in a bottle, is poured onto the plate using a shaking motion—referred to as dikopyok in Javanese.
Es Podeng is a traditional dessert from Central and East Java. It features podeng, a jelly-like treat made from hunkwe flour (derived from mung bean starch, not agar-agar), served with a sweet fruit compote of pineapple and kolang kaling (sugar palm fruit). Hunkwe gives the dessert its soft, smooth texture and distinctive flavor.
In the past, Es Podeng was commonly served at wedding celebrations, which is why it became widely known as Es Podeng Manten (Manten meaning “bride” or “groom” in Javanese).
Wedang Tahok is a traditional dish brought by Chinese immigrants who later settled in Pasar Gede, Solo.
In the book Kuliner Tradisional Solo yang Mulai Langka by Dawud Achroni, Tahok is identified as a traditional Chinese dish. The name Tahok originates from Tahoa, which consists of two words: tao or teu, meaning soybean, and hu, meaning soft or mashed. In Semarang and Jakarta, this dish is known as kembang tahu, while in Surabaya, it is called Tawa.
Testimony
