After 19 years at the top, Wisma 46 is no longer the tallest building in Jakarta. In 2015, the Cemindo Tower surpassed it, rising to a height of 289 metres and 63 storeys. But a new proposal designed by Woods Bagot for PT. Arthaloka Indonesia just steps away from Wisma 46 would handily take that title, and may even become the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. Dubbed Arthaloka Square, the plan calls for several glassy office buildings, one of which could reach 400 metres into the sky.

Arthaloka Square, image courtesy of Woods Bagot

The new business centre would face Jalan Jenderal Sudirman in Jakarta's central business district. Two 35-storey office towers would be constructed first followed by what could become Indonesia's tallest, a skyscraping 72-storey building scheduled for completion in 2018. The design takes inspiration from several facets of Javanese culture. Resembling a flaming torch, or "obor", the tower features a wavy facade that represents the Nāga, a magical serpent deity. A diagrid structural support system reinforces the message of movement Woods Bagot has created throughout the complex.

Arthaloka Square, image courtesy of Woods Bagot

With a population of nearly ten million people in the city proper and about 20 million more in the metropolitan region, Jakarta's crippling traffic congestion is well-documented. Thankfully, some relief is on the way. The complex will include a subterranean connection to the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit system, a two-line, 15.7-kilometre railway network now under construction.

Arthaloka Square, image courtesy of Woods Bagot

The environmentally-conscious project — seeking LEED Gold certification — includes a central sunken garden which connects to each tower and the retail podium. The green theme of the project culminates at the top of the twin towers with a pair of lush sky gardens. The north end of the development is proposed to house a 2,500-seat performance hall, while a mosque and tennis court rests atop the encircling retail podium.

Arthaloka Square, image courtesy of Woods Bagot

Jakarta has another massive plan forthcoming, which if built according to its current specifications, would climb even higher than Arthaloka Square. At 638 metres and 113-storeys, Signature Tower has received planning permission, though no signs of construction have yet been spotted.

Signature Tower, image via Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart

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