DINING Hutan Kota by Plataran

Housed in a building once used to entertain state guests, HUTAN KOTA BY PLATARAN is part of a remarkable 32,000 sq m complex that pays tribute to indonesian flavours, arts and heritage.

For the last year or so, driving along Sudirman, you could see a huge compound being built just before or after passing the Gelora Bung Karno Softball Stadium, depending on which direction you were taking. Each time you passed by, it became more interesting. The architecture was intriguing, and you wondered just what it was they were building there.

Now, not long after the project has been finished, the Plataran sign has gone up, and you are wondering what this distinguished hospitality brand has come up with. Having created beautiful properties and restaurants across Indonesia, especially in the more exotic parts of the archipelago, you can’t help but imagine that this must be something interesting, even spectacular.

And so it is. Situated inside the GBK sports complex, the area is now named Hutan Kota by Plataran. It consists of three buildings, complete with a theatre-inspired outdoor area and a rooftop lounge with a view of Jakarta’s skyscrapers.

Tiga Dari, Rumah Kaca Melati and Pidari Lounge are the three main buildings in the complex. Plataran has always taken pride in Indonesia’s heritage. From design inspiration and food to the trees and birds in the area, the project celebrates our country’s rich culture and nature.

The biggest of the three, Tiga Dari, features four private dining areas, one of them created especially to entertain state guests. Tiga Dari extends to Rumah Kaca Melati, a stunning glass house with 180-degree views of the compound. The beautiful property can be used for important events and celebrations.

For more relaxed and casual occasions, there is Pidari Lounge. This venue features the Langit Nusantara Rooftop, ideal for a get-together with friends and colleagues, or simply to unwind and enjoy the view. Still in keeping with the heritage theme, Hutan Kota by Plataran puts on shows and exhibitions at The Sriwedari Pool Park, Putri Dewi Amphitheatre and Majapahit Tribute Park. In a tribute to native Indonesian flora and fauna, the site includes a green and nature-connected space, where you can find fishponds, tree-planting projects and free-range birds.

Tiga Dari offers authentic Indonesian dining, presented with all the elegance and finesse that

Plataran is known for. The menu is inspired by the heartiness of Indonesian home cooking and the culture of food sharing at the table. Recipes and ingredients have been brought in from all over Indonesia, then developed by a culinary team that marries traditional ways with modern cooking techniques.

Rumah Kaca Melati serves the same menu as Tiga Dari, while Pidari Lounge is the only place in the compound that serves breakfast, from 7 am to 10.30 am. It offers Indonesian food mixed with Western and Chinese influences, as well as cocktails.

Kecipir Kembang Turi is one of the top dishes to try, consisting of winged beans, vegetable hummingbird and long beans topped with caramelised grated coconut. Lidah Khatulistiwa is stewed beef tongue with broccoli, carrots and French beans. The evergreen Nasi Goreng Tiga Dari is served in a unique plating with torched ginger, prawns and crackers on the side.

Crepe Es Teler is Plataran’s twist on the icy drinks we usually enjoy in the afternoon with fried banana. This version of the popular street food comes with crepe, jackfruit, avocado, coconut and palm sugar along with vanilla ice cream. Smoothies Biu is a purple drink made with sweet potato, caramel syrup, soy milk and yoghurt, an easy choice for children. Pidari Lounge also serves gelato with cones or waffles.

All in all, the opening of Hutan Kota by Plataran is a breath of fresh air in the city centre.

Whether you are having breakfast at Pidari Lounge after the Car Free Day on a Sunday morning or gathering with your close friends and family, Hutan Kota by Plataran has it all. You just have to choose between the three spots, all of which are worth a visit.

Not only do the restaurants offer Indonesia’s best flavours, the surrounding compound pays respect to our nature, flora and fauna. It’s wonderful to see the birds roaming around freely. In the years to come, when all the trees and plants have grown, we will hopefully see this place as a true sanctuary in Jakarta’s concrete jungle.

Hutan Kota by Plataran Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 54 - 55, Gelora, Jakarta, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Tel: +62 21 22531199