The original embassy was built in 1962, to the designs of Eric Bedford, Chief Architect at the Ministry of Public Building and Works.[2] It was ransacked on 16 September 1963 when anti-British sentiment led to attacks on both the British and Malaysian Embassies.[3] During the attack, the assistant military attache Roderick Walker played bagpipes as a sign of defiance against the mob attack.
The old Embassy building on Jl. MH Thamrin in Central Jakarta, had increasingly become the target of protesters.[4] In 2004, the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) knocked down the building's gate and pelted it with rotten eggs.[5] The British government installed roadblocks at its two main access points, a move that was met with contempt from local residents. As a result of security issues the UK decided to seek a more suitable building.[5]
The Embassy moved to its current location on Jl. Patra Kuningan Raya, South Jakarta in 2013 and was officially opened by Prince Andrew, Duke of York. It sits in grounds behind a secure gatehouse.
Other locations
Outside Jakarta, there is also a British Honorary Consulate in Bali providing limited consular assistance.[6]
1 Diplomatic posts only with no consular facilities. 2 Consular posts only with no diplomatic functions. 3 The United Kingdom and His Majesty's Government do not recognise or have formal bilateral intergovernmental, diplomatic or consular relations with the (generally unrecognised) Government of the Republic of China in Taipei. Functions in Taiwan as an accredited informal and unofficial representative post and a semi-official informal consular post.
