As an official residence of a foreign ambassador, a house is not just a home. It is a symbolic representation that is essential in connecting the two countries. This understanding is what HE Francisco de Asis Aguilera Aranda had in mind when he was appointed as the ambassador of Spain to Indonesia. As an enthusiast of contemporary arts, Francisco and his charming wife, Gemma, welcomed Indonesia Design in his official residence, located in Jakarta’s affluent area.
STORY BY Iman Hidajat | PHOTOS BY Bagus Tri Laksono
The house lies on an important thoroughfare in an area known for the residential areas of government officials. However, the official residence of the Spanish ambassador blends quietly, resembling any other house in the neighbourhood if it were not for the Spanish Embassy sign placed next to its metal fence.
Entering the compound, one can’t help but notice the showcase of Bauhaus architecture’s straightforward shapes painted with white-to- beige colour schemes. The design aims for the building’s cohesion, simplicity, and functionality. “Good morning, and welcome to the Spanish House,” greeted Ambassador Aguilera, smiling.
Indonesia is a very familiar country for Francisco de Asis Aguilera, who first came years before his appointment as Spain’s ambassador to Indonesia in 2021.
Upon entering the house, guests will be welcomed by the picture of King Felipe VI of Spain placed above a desk in the right corner. The three flags represent Indonesia, Spain, and the European Union, giving the feeling of officiality of the house.
“It is rather an intimate four-bedroom two-story house with a terrace facing a beautiful green garden and a swimming pool in the back,” explained Francisco. The house creates a straightforward space arrangement, offering spatial effects on the exterior and interior. The ground floor of this house is the foremost part that plays the diplomatic role. The layout has a huge living room and reception area, including an informal dining area.
But, what is interesting about the main reception area of the house is the pieces of art that hang on both sides of the walls. Commonly, in each embassy and the official ambassador’s house, works of art from the country it represents are displayed.
Here, in the Spanish residence, the arts are carefully researched and curated to become part of the diplomacy between the two countries. The works of renowned Spanish artists such as Manolo Valdez, Jose Manuel, Eduardo Urculo, and even the more familiar to the Indonesians, Bali’s famous Antonio Blanco, are displayed.
Near the entrance to the dining room, there is one of the important paintings, which has often become the backdrop of every diplomatic event in the house. It is titled Bali by Eesepe and was painted by Spanish painter Carlos Sanchez Perez.
Entering the formal dining room, guests will feel a stark contrast with the light orangish wall colour. With a long table in the middle and sets of chairs that seat up to 12 guests, the dining room, which has seen various formal dinners, boasts a modern European sophistication theme featuring beautiful china and the embroidery of the symbol of the Kingdom of Spain hung on the wall as piece-de- resistance. The dining room also has direct access to the serene back garden terrace.
The main area represents the diplomacy symbol, but the second floor is more private, which Francisco arranged with a subtle eclectic approach.
“The second floor gives me the idea to add a more personal touch to the interior. I brought some of my favourite decorations, which are always good to be surrounded by things you like or belong to you since you are far away from your home country,” he described.
One of the most favourite objects is the traditional wooden game chest, which Francisco acquired in Damascus, Syria. “The object reminds me of my hometown, Granada, since the Syrian, Moroccan, and Granada have the same decorated arts,” added Francisco.
Francisco has also collected some kain ikat from official visits throughout Indonesia, which are displayed as house decorations. “They will create a memory of the wonderful visits to many places in Indonesia during my stay in this country,” he expressed.
One cannot help but feel that every corner of the Spanish residence is adorned with works of art, primarily by Spanish artists. The artworks represented in the official residence are part of the cultural diplomacy between the two countries. It is to show that Indonesia and Spain are not bound only by historical relationships but also by each country’s arts and culture. Modern art is thriving in Spain, Francisco explained. You can meet artists and art enthusiasts and visit museums and artsy spots in many places in Spain. Ultimately, Spain combines classic and modern art, food, and architecture well, making it an exciting country to visit.