Gedung Merdeka building, one of the main meeting places of the Bandung Conference 1955. [Photo/Xinhua]

During weekends, the building was loaded with wealthy business people, enjoying art performances, social dances and dinner.

During the Japanese occupation, the building was renamed Dai Toa Kaman and served as a cultural center.

After the Indonesian proclamation of Independence on August 17, 1945, the building was used as headquarters of Indonesian independence fighters against Japanese troops.

After the recognition of Indonesia's independence by The Netherlands in 1949, and the formation of the federal government, the Concordia building was once again used as public gathering hall, for art performances, parties, dances and gala dinner.

In 1954, the Indonesian government appointed Bandung as the host of the first Asian-African Conference and the Concordia building was chosen as the venue of the meetings.

At that time, Concordia was the largest and grandest hall in Bandung.

In early 1955, the building was renovated to meet international conference requirements and the building also served as Indonesia's House of Representatives convention building.