History in a name
The history of Jakarta started around 12th century at port of Sunda Kelapa when it served Sundanese kingdom of Pajajaran. The Portuguese, the first Europeans arrived, were given the permission by the Hindu Kingdom of Pakuan Pajajaran to erect a godown in 1522 with control was still firmly in local hands.
On 22nd June 1527 the city was conquered by Prince Fatahillah, a Muslim prince from Demak kingdom, who changed the city name to Jayakarta. Jayakarta turn into Batavia when Dutch took over in 16th century. Centuries later, the city became the base of social movement to free Indonesia from colonialism. When Japanese conquered Batavia (1942-1945), once again the city name was changed to Jakarta, shorter version of the origin Jayakarta.
Although Indonesia declared its independence on August 17, 1945 in Jakarta, government decided to celebrate the city’s anniversary every June 22, the day Fatahillah conquered Sunda Kelapa. Jakarta’s name has never again changed, but expatriates gave it nickname as Big Durian.
Out About
Jakarta is a huge city, one of Asia’s most exciting and most lively cities. It is administratively divided into the five districts:
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Central Jakarta (Jakarta Pusat)
It is where government runs the city most of the time. Here you can find The Presidential palace (Istana Negara), National Monument (Monas), the old part of Jakarta (Kota Tua or the old area of Batavia), Glodok Chinatown, old citywalk Passer Baroe, and some embassies. The presence of Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Museum Gajah strengthen the district position as the heart of Jakarta art activity. -
West Jakarta (Jakarta Barat)
It is the biggest Jakarta’s Chinatown and also popular as the site of Jakarta’s old town. This district includes trading centers and shopping centers. -
East Jakarta (Jakarta Timur)
If you only have few days to spend in Jakarta, do come to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah to experience many cultures of Indonesia in a day. You also see artists performance at Komunitas Utan Kayu or enjoy honey harvesting at Cibubur camping ground. You can also find Halim Perdanakusumah that once played significant role as the first international airport in Indonesia. -
North Jakarta (Jakarta Utara)
You can enjoy beautiful Thousand Islands, Ancol Bayfront City, amusement park Ancol Dream Park (also famous as Dunia Fantasi), and Kelapa Gading shopping centers.
Greater Jakarta
Many people work in Jakarta are commuters. They come from suburbs that include Bogor, Tangerang, Depok and Bekasi. Those cities have become inseparable areas of Jakarta, so the government mentions them together as Jabodetabek (the acronym of five cities’ names) or in English we call it Greater Jakarta.
Bogor is often associated with the beauty of nature as Depok for education, Tangerang and Bekasi for industry. When Jakartans need more greenery to see, they will go to Bogor to visit lovely Puncak, tea plantation, Bogor Botanic Garden (Kebun Raya Bogor), or Mekarsari Amazing Tourism Park (popularly known as Mekarsari Fruit Garden or Taman Buah Mekarsari).
Tap Water
Tap water is not drinkable. It has to be boiled first for cooking and drinking purpose. You can also drink bottled water sold in every store.
City Transportation
Taxi
Taxi is advisable for those who new in Jakarta. It is safer to order one by phone. Check to hotel where you stay to have information about best taxi operators in town.
The Transjakarta Busway
It is modern, air-conditioned and generally comfortable, although sometimes service can be spotty. The bus is often crowded during rush hours. Buses run from 5AM-10PM daily. Tickets cost a flat Rp 2,000 before 7AM, and Rp 3,500 after. Transfers between lines are free but be careful not to exit the system until your journey is completed. The hub at Harmoni station is the busiest interchange. The buses can get very crowded, especially during rush hours at 7AM and 4PM, when office workers are on the move. Unlike Jakarta’s other buses, busway buses shuttle on fully dedicated lanes and passengers must use dedicated stations with automatic doors, usually found in the middle of large thoroughfares connected to both sides by overhead bridges.
The Transjakarta map is downloadable at http://www.transjakarta.co.id/unduh.php.
Other bus and smaller transportation
Not advisable unless you are feeling adventurous.
