Gedung Sate, meaning “Satay Building,” is an iconic historical landmark located in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Constructed between 1920 and 1924 during the Dutch colonial era, it was originally designed by Dutch architect J. Gerber to serve as the headquarters for the Dutch East Indies government departments.
Its architecture is a striking example of the New Indies Style, harmoniously blending European neoclassical elements, such as Italian Renaissance-inspired arches, with traditional Indonesian motifs, including ornamentation resembling Balinese temples. The building’s most distinctive feature, which gives it its popular nickname, is the central tower topped with six ornaments resembling satay skewers. These spheres symbolize the six million guilders spent on its construction.
Today, Gedung Sate functions as the official office of the Governor of West Java and remains a vital center for provincial government activities. It is also a major tourist attraction, housing the Museum Gedung Sate in its basement, which offers visitors an interactive look into the building’s rich history and the development of West Java. Its grand scale and unique fusion of East and West architectural styles make it a symbol of Bandung’s heritage.
