The Cikini Gondangdia (Simpang Lima) intersection in 1935
Following the 1941 view of this ‘simpang lima’ intersection, which we published a few days ago, this time a lovely picture of the same crossing, from a slightly different angle though, from the mid 1930s. From this point at the end of Menteng (Jalan Menteng Raya) we see the nice building of the “Nederlandsche Apotheek” (Netherlands Pharmacy) on the point where Tjikini (Jalan Cikini Raya) and Oud Gondangdia (Jalan RP Soeroso) came together in the distance on the left. This pharmacy moved to this site in November 1925; before it was the private residence of a certain Dr. de Vrieze.
Radjapharma
Up until the end of 1957 the pharmacy had the name “Nederlandsche Apotheek”. Afterwards it most likely changed into “Radjapharma”. The pharmacy existed until at least the mid 1990s when this lovely building was sadly demolished. Now it is the site of the multi-storey Menteng Huis, with Kimia Farma and a HEMA branch. On this picture we look straight into Oud Gondangdia (Jalan RP Soeroso), right of the pharmacy. The delman on the right comes out of the Van Heutszplein (now Jalan Taman Cut Meutia). On the left of this picture, next to the street lantern is the entrance to Huize Vijfsprong on Menteng (Jalan Menteng Raya) 37, a 19th century house that has been entirely rebuilt in its original state in 2018.
The intersection Simpang Lima at Cikini – Jalan R.P. Soeroso 1941
A unique view of a unique building that stood on this place until at least 1995. During a visit to Jakarta in 1995 I suffered from a tummy bug while staying in a guesthouse along Jalan Gondangdia Kecil. I went to this pharmacy to purchase some Norit and I remember it was still the old colonial era building. This photo from nearly 80 years ago was taken at the so-called ‘Vijfsprong’ where 5 roads came together: Oud Menteng (Jalan Menteng Raya), Tjikini (Jalan Cikini Raya), Oud Gondangdia (Jalan RP Soeroso), Van Heutszplein (Jalan Taman Cut Meutia) and Gang Pengarengan (this road no longer exists).
Nederlandsche Apotheek
We are looking south. Left of the Nederlandsche Apotheek (Netherlands Pharmacy) is Tjikini, to the right Oud Gondangdia. The sign near the drugstore says “Parata, against pain, flu and hangover”. At the front, partly visible, an advertisement for Dunlop tyres. Despite a usual busy intersection, we only see cyclists and pedestrians on this photo. On the site of the former apotik/drugstore is now the “Menteng Huis” with the Kimia Farma Pharmacy and a number of other stores. If any Jakarta residents can tell us more about when the old pharmacy building was demolished, that would be very helpful.
