Once the official residence of the Governor-general of Dutch East Indies, the building was named Merdeka Palace (Freedom Palace) in 1949 after Indonesia regained its independence. Today, it is the official residence of the President of Indonesia. The building had been designed in a neo-classical style with Doric columns and it has not changed since it was renovated in 1873. Along with the neighbouring buildings, Merdeka Palace is part of the presidential palace complex, and it is currently used as the official venue for state events.