Discovering Jakarta

Navigating stars, other celestial objects at the Planetarium

Navigating stars, other celestial objects at the Planetarium

Planetarium features a display of space, educational and entertaining shows about astronomy or celestial objects. Planetarium is located on Jl. Cikini Raya No 73, Central Jakarta at the Taman Ismail Marzuki art and science complex. (Antara / Shiva, Azis Kurmala)

The capital city of Indonesia and home to over 10.5 million people, Jakarta, is a hub of political matters, economy, and business.

Jakarta is currently viewed as a global city and one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The largest city in the country offers numerous job opportunities as well as presents challenges.

Thousands of people flock to Jakarta to try their fortune since several big industries and companies are present in the largest city in Southeast Asia.

Located on the coast of Java, the metropolitan city has become the most suitable place for those who strive and seek a way out to thrive.

Although Jakarta has numerous skyscrapers, the city has attractive places that people from other cities or countries can visit to spend their holidays.

One of the places worth visiting is the Planetarium located on Jl. Cikini Raya No 73, Central Jakarta, at the Taman Ismail Marzuki art and science complex.

The sky simulation was built in 1964, initiated by President Sukarno, and was inaugurated on November 10, 1968, by Jakarta Governor, Ali Sadikin.

The Planetarium features a display of space along with educational and entertaining shows focusing on astronomy or celestial objects.

The space simulation place offers education tourism for people looking for a refreshing experience. The public can get a combined dose of education and entertainment.

The Planetarium is akin to a theatre that has a large room, with a dome-shaped ceiling and several seats, with the only difference from a real theatre being the screen placed exactly on its ceiling.

Moreover, a special projector in this room can shine images on the domed ceiling to provide visitors a view of the stars in the night sky and sky objects in space.

The visitors can watch this astronomy show at Planetarium Taman Ismail Marzuki. Taman Ismail Marzukin is one of the three space simulation modes in Indonesia.

Visitors are invited to gain an understanding of the universe and its conception.

Planetarium is open from Tuesday to Sunday and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time. However, it is closed on Monday for maintenance.

Two shows a day are held at the Planetarium, with the first show at 9:30 a.m. local time while the second at 1:30 p.m. local time. The visitors can purchase tickets for each show in the earlier morning at 7:30 a.m. local time since it is open just once.

“The visitors generally intent to watch the show on Saturday or Sunday,” Sutriatri stated.


She is one of the guardians at Planetarium Taman Ismail Marzuki. Nur, her friend, also claimed that not only the theatre but also the museum of astronomy is packed with visitors on the weekend.

The Museum of astronomy presents information pertaining to astronomy and galaxy space. The museum has a simple room and is not too big for the visitors' tour.

People can visit the museum after the show ends. The astronomy museum has the planetarium and observatory. Myriad astronomy stuff are on display, and visitors can also capture the moment.

The Planetarium also turns into a family-friendly place on the weekend. Lela, 34 years of age, claimed several families visit the planetarium on the weekend, adding that she is one of the families that brings along their children.

“Yes, they (children) are very enthusiastic since they see several things during the show. They can see astrological signs, and they think it is like magic,” she stated.

Scores of parents bring their children to the museum after the astronomy show at the planetarium on the second floor. They go down on the first floor to observe the collection from the museum.

It is also aimed at keeping the mood of their children, and they can persuade them to eat while touring the museum.

“Well, it usually is the case for children of three to five years of age. As a mother, I have to know what they want and how they want to eat their food. They can play while eating. That is the answer,” Lela stated.

At times, during special occasions, such as the Annular Solar Eclipse, the Planetarium will open the Observatory for a day.

“Well, for observation, we did it sometimes, like for instance, during the Annual Solar Eclipse a couple of months ago since it has a Planetarium and Observatory Jakarta. However, mostly on regular days, we just open for the show at the Planetarium,” Nur revealed.
One of collections in Planetarium Jakarta. (Antara / Shiva, Azis Kurmala)
The difference between a planetarium and observatory is that the former only aims at showcasing and edifying for astronomy purposes, while the observatory is a place to study the natural phenomena with an astronomical telescope.

The Observatory also has a ceiling that can be opened or closed for some purposes. The visitors will be presented a view of the real sky at night when the ceiling at the observatory is opened.

Visitors at the planetarium can watch the show for an hour. Moreover, it has the same show for each time.

The visitors are not allowed to carry food and beverages while watching the show. Moreover, the use of phones during the show is also banned, so that it poses no disturbance during the show. Moreover, some rules are in place while entering the theatre.

“Yes, we have rules. Visitors cannot turn on the light during the show and document the show in any files. They are required to close the door when they go to the toilet or come back to the show and follow the rules,” the guardian stated.

Another interesting aspect about the planetarium is that the seat can be brought down till the visitors can lie in supine position during the show.

Moreover, the planetarium is crowded with visitors arriving in groups. Wina, 23 years of age, is one such visitor, who arrived in a group. She came with her foster child from Yaulmuad orphanage.

“We come here for the first time since I went here when I was in elementary school. Hence, I know my sisters will love it,” Wina stated.

People visit the Planetarium at Taman Ismail Marzuki for recreation purposes. On the other hand, visitors like to obtain information on astronomy while playing with their children

The Planetarium offers some facilities to provide people with an understanding of celestial objects, and it has kid-friendly places for families.

Overall, the planetarium and observatory at Taman Ismail Marzuki is the suitable choice for people looking to enjoy on their weekend and also edify themselves.

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