istana

Istana is the Malay and Indonesian term for a palace or grand royal residence. The word is widely used across Southeast Asia to denote state residences of monarchs and heads of state, as well as to name important ceremonial or cultural buildings. In Malaysia, Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Kuala Lumpur, while other sultanates maintain their own palaces bearing the Istana title. In Brunei, Istana Nurul Iman is the royal palace of the Sultan and one of the world's largest inhabited palaces. In Singapore, The Istana refers to the presidential residence and office. In Indonesia, several presidential and royal residences bear the Istana name, including Istana Merdeka in Jakarta and historic estates such as Istana Bogor. The architecture of Istana buildings ranges from traditional Malay and Islamic-influenced designs to European-inspired styles, typically featuring ceremonial halls, grand courtyards, extensive gardens, and security arrangements suited to hosting state occasions. The term is also used for cultural or public-assembly spaces that evoke the prestige of a royal palace, such as Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur’s national theatre. As a common noun, Istana can simply mean a palace in everyday speech, while as a proper noun it anchors official residences and symbolic sites in several countries.