Fatmawati sewed the 'Sang Saka Merah Putih', the first official Indonesian national flag, which was flown during the 1945 Proclamation of Independence.
The house is constructed primarily from wood and follows a traditional vernacular stilt architecture design.
Fatmawati was born in Bengkulu in 1923 and lived in this house until her marriage to Soekarno.
The site contains a collection of original sewing machines used by Fatmawati during her time in Bengkulu.
In 2000, the Indonesian government officially designated the residence as a national cultural heritage site.
Ibu Fatmawati Soekarno's House is a preserved historic wooden stilt house in Bengkulu that served as the childhood residence of Fatmawati, Indonesia's first First Lady and the woman who sewed the first national flag. The structure maintains its original architectural style, typical of traditional Bengkulu homes elevated on wooden pillars. Visitors can view various personal belongings, period furniture, and photographs documenting Fatmawati's life and her relationship with President Soekarno. The house is maintained as a historical site and museum to honor her role in the Indonesian independence movement. It provides insight into the domestic lifestyle and material culture of mid-20th century Bengkulu. The building underwent restoration to preserve its structural integrity as a heritage monument.
The front porch area, which captures the unique stilt architectural features and the traditional wooden facade.
Remove your footwear before entering the interior rooms of the house.
Engage the local staff as they are often knowledgeable about specific family anecdotes not found on plaques.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid potential weekend crowds from local school field trips.
Avoid assuming you can freely roam into all back-of-house storage areas; stay within the marked visitor path.
Closed on major national public holidays.
Dress modestly as it is a site of national historical significance; refrain from touching the artifacts.
