Jakarta Capital Indonesia Travelling Review

Jakarta, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of
a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the
northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such
has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As
Indonesia's main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of
international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the traditional and the
modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling
metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups which
compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as an ever- present reminder of the national motto;
Unity in Diversity.

Finding its origin in the small early 16th century harbor town of Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's
founding is thought to have taken place on June 22, 1527, when it was re-named Jayakarta,
meaning

Glorious Victory by the conquering Prince Fatahillah from neighboring Cirebon. The Dutch East
Indies Company which captured the town and destroyed it in 1619, changed its name into
Batavia and made it the center for the expansion of their power in the East Indies. Shortly after
the outbreak of World War II, Batavia fell into the hands of the invading Japanese forces who
changed the name of the city into Jakarta as a gesture aimed at winning the sympathy of the
Indonesians.
The name was retained after Indonesia achieved national independence after the war's end.

The ethnic Jakartan called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well in the
surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. This language has two variations: the
conventional Betawi Malay and the modern Jakarta Malay. While the first is spoken by the elder
people, born and bred in Jakarta, the second is spoken by the younger generation and migrants.

Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of outside influences which came and
has remained in this vital seaport city. The Taman Fatahillah Restoration Project, begun in the
early 1970s has restored one of the oldest sections of Jakarta also known as Old Batavia to
approximately its original state.

The old Portuguese Church and warehouse have been rehabilitated into living museums. The old
Supreme Court building is now a museum of fine arts which also houses part of the excellent
Chinese porcelain collection of former Vice President Adam Malik. The old Town Hall has
become the Jakarta Museum, displaying such rare items as Indonesia's old historical documents
and Dutch period furniture.

Its tower clock was once returned to England to be repaired under its lifetime guarantee, which
up to now has already lasted hundreds of years.

One of the most interesting tourist attractions is the "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park"
popularly called "Taman Mini". Built to portray the variety of cultures found within the many
islands contained in the Republic of Indonesia, this open-air museum comprises the many
architectural forms of arts and traditions of all 27 provinces. It is proof of the country's motto of
Unity in Diversity as well as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses of worship built on the
grounds.

Jakarta has preserved its past and is developing for the future. Skyscrapers in the center of the
city are part of a new look.

Modern luxury hotels today cater to the discriminating visitors. Transport within the city is
plentiful. It should be noted that museums are open daily from 8.00 a.m. (except Mondays) till
2.00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On Fridays closing hour is 11.00
a.m. and on Saturdays at 1.00 p.m.