De Tiger, a Far East-inspired speakeasy bar at House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta, opened on June 26, 2026. Located in Kota Tua, the bar draws on the history of Old Batavia, particularly the merchants, sailors and spice traders who once passed through Sunda Kelapa and Kali Besar.
The bar combines cocktails, food and music with the hotel’s collection of Indonesian antiques and art. Its concept is also rooted in the story of Merem, a one-eyed Javanese tiger whose history is part of the Tugu family’s heritage.
A Bar Inspired by Old Batavia
De Tiger occupies a colonial heritage building along Kali Besar Barat, an area that was once central to Batavia’s maritime trade. Merchant ships arriving at Sunda Kelapa carried spices, silks, tea, porcelain and other goods from distant regions.
Foreign traders, mariners, nobility and the Peranakan community gathered in the area, contributing to the cosmopolitan character of old Batavia. After the warehouses closed for the day, the district’s social life continued through conversations and gatherings.
De Tiger draws on this history through its setting and menu, connecting the area’s trading past with Jakarta’s contemporary nightlife.
The Story of Merem
The name De Tiger comes from Merem, a one-eyed Javanese tiger that once belonged to the prominent Oei Tiong Ham family.
In the early 1900s, Merem was found injured at a public amusement arena in Java. Raden Adjeng Kasinem, the first wife of Oei Tiong Ham, rescued him and brought him to Batavia to recover. He was housed in a warehouse near Sunda Kelapa, now part of the House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta complex.
Merem later escaped in Kali Besar but was recaptured, treated and eventually lived at Oei Tiong Ham’s residence for many years. After his death, he was returned to the Kali Besar warehouse before being taken to the home of Oei Tiong Ham’s descendants in Bangkok.
Today, Merem’s story forms the basis of De Tiger’s identity, linking the bar’s concept with the history of the surrounding district and the Tugu family.
Cocktails Inspired by Batavia’s Trade Routes
De Tiger’s menu is arranged in chapters exploring different aspects of old Batavia, including ambition, adventure, mystery and hospitality. Its cocktails and mocktails draw inspiration from the spices and commodities that travelled through Sunda Kelapa’s maritime trade routes.
One of the signature drinks, 100 Karung Kopi, references the story of Raden Adjeng Kasinem purchasing Merem’s freedom with large sacks of coffee from the Kawisari plantation. The cocktail places coffee at the centre of Merem’s story and the account of his rescue.
Another signature drink, Gedoeng Goelo Matjan, takes inspiration from Batavia’s sugar trade and the commercial legacy of Oei Tiong Ham. It combines popcorn whiskey and marshmallow.
The menu also includes Midnight Tiger, from The Last Lantern chapter, which blends coffee and cocoa—two commodities associated with Merem’s story and the port’s maritime history.
Food with Javanese and Peranakan Influences
The food menu brings together Javanese heritage, Peranakan influences and coastal culinary traditions, reflecting the cultural exchanges that shaped old Batavia.
Among the dishes is the Midnight Katsu Burger with Curry Leaf Slaw, which combines a crisp katsu with a fragrant curry leaf slaw. The dish takes inspiration from the late-night taverns and spice trade associated with the area.
The food offering complements the bar’s cocktail programme, extending its historical theme beyond the drinks menu.
Live Jazz and DJ Sets
Music is another part of De Tiger’s evening programme. The bar hosts different musical experiences, ranging from live jazz performances to contemporary DJ sets.
The changing music programme gives the venue different atmospheres throughout the week, drawing on the social and cultural character of Batavia after dark.
Part of the House of Tugu Experience
De Tiger joins Jajaghu and Babah Koffie by Kawisari as part of House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta’s wider cultural and hospitality offering.
The hotel describes its approach as The Art of Indonesian Living, bringing together history, culinary arts and nightlife. For Tugu Group, the bar represents another way to present family heritage through a contemporary hospitality setting.
House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta was developed over 15 years, documenting stories passed down through the Tugu Group family across generations. Some of these accounts date back to the mid-19th century and are connected to artefacts inherited by the family.
De Tiger extends this approach by bringing one of those stories—the history of Merem—into a bar setting.
House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta was also named the #4 Best City Hotel in Indonesia at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026.
De Tiger Jakarta: Opening Hours
De Tiger is located at House of Tugu Old Town Jakarta, along Kali Besar Barat in Kota Tua.
According to Difford’s Guide, the bar’s opening hours are:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 16:00–00:00
- Friday to Sunday: 17:00–01:00
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