Designed by Indonesian-born, Chinese-Brazilian architect George Khing Swie, the official residence of the ambassador of Brazil to Indonesia was built in 1996. The stylish exterior hints at a light and expansive interior, reminiscent of the work of world-famous architect Oscar Niemeyer from South America’s largest country. Indonesia Design had the honour of being welcomed into the residence.
STORY BY Iman Hidajat | PHOTOS BY Bagus Tri Laksono
is Excellency George Monteiro Prata, ambassador of the Republic of Brazil to Indonesia, is a seasoned diplomat known for his charm and elegance. He and his wife, Madame Miriam Prata, welcomed Indonesia Design with warm smiles in front of the official residence, nestled in an affluent area of South Jakarta.
Both are passionate enthusiasts of contemporary art and design, showcasing collections of Brazilian and Indonesian art, including works by renowned Brazilian
painter Carlos Araujo and Indonesian maestro Affandi Koesoema. “Welcome to the Brazilian Residence. This house is a symbolic representation, essential in connecting our two countries,” said the ambassador, standing at the entrance adorned with the Brazilian Coat of Arms and the national flags of Brazil and Indonesia, evoking the official status of the residence.
Stepping into the main foyer, you will notice Indonesian batik panels from the 1970s are paired with an early 19th century Brazilian leather trunk. “Batik is one of Indonesia’s finest arts, and I love displaying it here,” explained Miriam, who is also an avid batik collector.
Marble paneled flooring bridges you to the rest of the house, which is very Brazilian yet diverse in detail. On the first floor, the couple set up three living rooms, a study room, a dining room, a swimming pool, and a functional small conference room at the penthouse.
“It’s a beautiful and well-designed house,” George said. “One of my favourite aspects is the neighbouring golf course. You can watch the players during the day, and in the evening, with the illuminated field, the house takes on a special charm.”
Exploring the office space, its layout blends global influences to create a cosy yet elegant space. Ancient maps and books are neatly arranged in an English-style cabinet, evoking a sense of tradition and history. A transparent Italian Ferruccio Laviani “Bourgie” lamp adds a modern and artistic touch, illuminating the Brazilian hardwood round table that serves as the centrepiece of the room. A family picture, placed prominently, brings a personal warmth to the space, whilst the sky-blue walls evoke a calming, serene atmosphere, making the office feel both professional and inviting.
Having hosted many social events, Miriam appreciates the house’s interior layout. The living and dining rooms provide ample space for diplomatic gatherings. The living room, in particular, features a remarkable collection of art. “Here in the main living room, the famous Sabung Ayam painting by Indonesian maestro Affandi Koesoema from 1965 makes a bold statement,” said Miriam. Below it, on a finely crafted Indonesian wooden console, rests a bronze sculpture by Rio de Janeiro artist Lucia Studart Prata. “On the walls, you’ll find works by Carlos Araujo, a renowned Brazilian painter, along with a vibrant still life by Luiz Costa and a vintage Balinese Kamasan painting,” she continued. The house is an eclectic blend of Brazilian, Portuguese, English, Indonesian, Chinese, Vietnamese, Burmese and Japanese arts, all harmoniously coexisting.
To the left of the residence, facing the swimming pool, the entrance hall showcases a handsome dark wood Chinese cabinet, a black-and-white print from 1984 by São Paulo- born artist Newton Mesquita, and a Zumba textile-upholstered chair. Continuing down the passage, guests encounter an abstract composition by Indonesian painter Srihadi Soedarsono, dated 1965. On the other side, a trolley with caipirinha, Brazil’s national drink, always stands ready for guests.
Arriving at the tutti-frutti green Nusantara breakfast room, visitors are greeted by two beautiful canvases by Indonesian artist Soeparto, namely Mother and Child (1965) and Bateng-Bateng or Bulls (1966). This informal room, enhanced by views of the swimming pool and the greenery of the neighbouring golf course, features a relaxed mix of Javanese-style wooden furniture, rattan consoles, and an expandable dining table from Barcelona, paired with vintage Thonet chairs. Joyful touches like a cheetah-inlaid wood box by Amazonian craftsman Maqueson Pereira da Silva and a Brazilian handmade soapstone bonbonnière further enrich the space.
Heading towards the right side of the living room, a secondary entrance presents a beautiful Korean medicine cabinet, flanked by a photograph of a painted Kayapó tribe member by Brazilian artist Rodrigo Petrella, and an image of a Tucano bird by celebrated photographer Bento Viana. Underneath the console, an eclipse lamp by Rio de Janeiro artist Mauricio Klabin—part of the permanent collection at New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) since 2006—adds a modern design touch, reflecting Klabin’s belief that design should be accessible to all.
The adjoining coffee room is equally inviting, with a Chinese lacquered bar holding vintage bottles, two art deco root-wood chairs, and an English mahogany folding game table set for coffee or tea lovers. A Vista Alegre Brazil porcelain set, Brazilian Coat of Arms crystal glasses, and Brazilian Renascença lace placemats add elegance to the setting. A white five-piece Bergère suite adorned with Jim Thompson Thai silk pillows and white porcelain parrots invites guests to relax whilst sipping Brazilian or Indonesian coffee, with traditional homemade pão de queijo (cheese balls) and coconut and chocolate Brazilian sweets nearby for a sweet indulgence.
“Here, an English butler tray holds your choice of Brazilian sparkling wine, tea, or coffee,” Miriam explained, as she and George relaxed on a white five-piece Bergère suite adorned with Jim Thompson Thai silk pillows. “It’s a lovely spot for enjoying Brazilian or Indonesian coffee.”
“Brazil is halfway around the globe from Indonesia, and not many Indonesians have visited the country yet. We do our best to introduce Brazilian art and cuisine to our guests here,” the ambassador asserted, reflecting on a true example of cultural diplomacy between the two nations.