The Jakarta Planetarium and Observatory has officially reopened to the public after being closed for more than a decade. Located within the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) complex in Cikini, Central Jakarta, the facility resumed operations following a comprehensive revitalisation.
The planetarium ceased operations in 2012. After a 13-year hiatus, it reopened on Tuesday (December 23), marked by an official inauguration led by Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo.
“After more than 13 years, since 2012, the Planetarium, initiated by Bang Ali Sadikin, has, thank God, been revived today,” Pramono said, as quoted by CNNIndonesia.
The reopening forms part of the Jakarta Provincial Government’s efforts to restore public educational facilities in the capital.
Upgraded Facilities and Digital Technology
The revitalisation includes major upgrades to the planetarium’s core facilities. The Bintang Theatre, the main attraction, now uses digital astronomy visualisation technology. The system presents simulations of the solar system and celestial bodies based on scientific data.
The seating has been replaced to improve comfort. The theatre layout has also been redesigned to provide clearer sightlines and a more immersive viewing experience.
The planetarium also features an observatory telescope that allows visitors to observe celestial phenomena directly.
Additional facilities include an exhibition and observation room with photo galleries, space-related objects, dioramas, scientific equipment, and educational posters.
The Star Theatre hosts shows lasting between 50 and 60 minutes.
Programmes cover topics such as the formation of the solar system, solar and lunar eclipses, and the life cycle of stars.
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Governor Announces Free Access for Students
During the inauguration, Governor Pramono announced that access to the planetarium would be free for students for three months.
He also stated that the revitalised planetarium now includes modern features, including an interactive artificial intelligence platform. The platform displays digital representations of the Governor and Deputy Governor of Jakarta, allowing visitors to interact with the system during their visit.
The Jakarta Planetarium is part of a wider group of celestial observation and simulation facilities in Indonesia. Its primary function remains educational.
Ticket Purchase and Visitor Regulations
Tickets for planetarium shows must be purchased online through the link provided in the Instagram bio of @tim.cikini. Reservations can be made via a Google Form, available one hour before each show.
A closed or inaccessible form indicates that the quota for the session has been reached. Registered visitors receive a confirmation email. Visitors without confirmation are not eligible to enter due to capacity limits.
Visitors must arrive at least 30 minutes before the show for verification. Late arrivals are permitted up to 10 minutes after the show begins.
Tickets cannot be cancelled, refunded, or rescheduled. The planetarium is closed every Monday and on national holidays.
Inside the theatre, visitors must follow staff instructions. Food and drinks are not permitted. Recording or distributing performance content without permission is prohibited.
Public Transport Access to the Planetarium
The Jakarta Planetarium is located on Jalan Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta, and can be accessed via public transport.
The nearest Commuter Line station is Cikini Station. From the station, visitors can walk for 10 to 15 minutes or continue by online motorcycle taxi or Bajaj.
TransJakarta services stopping at Taman Ismail Marzuki include Corridor 5M from Kampung Melayu to Tanah Abang via Cikini and Corridor 6H from Lebak Bulus to Senen.
JakLingko Microtrans routes JAK-10A and JAK-10B also stop directly in front of the TIM entrance.