Capital and economic and financial hub of Indonésie, Jakarta is an Asian city with significant international influence. Crossed by numerous foreign influences, it has rapidly become an important cosmopolitan and commercial center. A brief introduction to Indonesia's premier city!

History

Located on the northeast coast of Java, Jakarta has long been coveted by nations seeking to control the region. Once, during the era of the ancient Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms of Sunda and Pajajaran, the city was known as Kalapa and was merely a simple trading port. It began to develop with the expansion of maritime commerce and the arrival of Indian, Arab, and Chinese merchants. From the 16th century onward, Europeans began settling in the Southeast Asian region. However, Kalapa was eventually conquered by the Sultanate of Banten and renamed Jayakarta in 1527.

Gradually, European control tightened around the archipelago, and the Dutch East India Company, the VOC, succeeded in conquering the port. The Dutch decided to rename the city Batavia and made it their main seat. It was only after World War II, with the proclamation of Independence, that Indonesians restored the name Jakarta. However, it only officially became the capital of the archipelago at the end of the War of Independence.

Toward the end of Suharto's rule, Jakarta became the site of numerous riots demanding the president's resignation. These bouts of violence resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and a wave of hatred particularly affected the Chinese community of Indonésie. With the return of democracy, the capital entered a new era and sought to become a major geopolitical player in Southeast Asia.

Jakarta Today

Today, Jakarta is the largest city in Indonésie and the world's second most populous, after Tokyo. It has experienced explosive growth, much like other Asian capitals such as Bangkok and Beijing. The entire territory surrounding the city has the status of an Indonesian province. Jakarta is also divided into five municipalities called kota: North, South, West, East, and Central.

It is also the economic center of Indonésie, as the city hosts the ASEAN Secretariat General and the Indonesian Stock Exchange. Most of the country's major corporations are headquartered here.

Jakarta has faced numerous urban challenges in recent years, particularly due to demographic and economic growth. The government is therefore considering transferring the capital to another Indonesian city, less congested and better suited to future political and economic decisions. There is considerable evidence that the Kalimantan region would be better suited to this major project, particularly due to its strategic location at the center of the archipelago.

Since 2014 and the election of Indonesia's current leader, Joko Widodo, numerous projects have been implemented to modernize the city and urban transport. Thus, the Jakarta Metro was set to open around 2018. But nothing is certain, of course!

The city is notably marked by numerous contrasts. Between wealth and extreme poverty, two distinct worlds coexist, stark symbols of the social divide affecting Indonésie. Many Indonesians come to Jakarta in search of a better future, often idealized.

Where is Jakarta Located?

Jakarta is situated on the northwest coast of the island of Java. With an area of approximately 661 km², it is divided into five municipalities: Central Jakarta, West Jakarta, South Jakarta, East Jakarta, and North Jakarta, plus one regency: the Thousand Islands.

Tourism in Jakarta

Jakarta is often considered less attractive than Bali, renowned for its beaches and unique culture, or Yogyakarta, famous for the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. It proves to be more of an urban destination than a beach resort. However, it is worth visiting, if only to discover its cultural monuments and the heritage of its colonial era, as well as its vibrant nightlife. In any case, it serves as the main entry point for exploring the wonders of the island of Java.

What to Do and See When Visiting Jakarta?

Visit the Old City of Jakarta (Kota Tua)

This historic district was once the center of the Dutch colonial city of Batavia. Today, it is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and boutiques. Be sure to visit Fatahillah Square, the Fatahillah Museum, and Jakarta Cathedral.

Climb the Monumen Nasional (MONAS)

This iconic monument is Jakarta's tallest building and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Visit the Istiqlal Mosque

The Istiqlal Mosque is the largest in Southeast Asia and can accommodate up to 200,000 people.

Shop at the Grand Indonesia Shopping Mall

This upscale shopping center houses over 400 shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Explore Beautiful Indonesia Park (Taman Mini Indonesia Indah)

The Beautiful Indonesia miniature park is a unique space featuring small-scale replicas of traditional houses and monuments from across Indonésie.

Spend a Day at Ancol Dreamland

This entertainment complex houses an amusement park, an aquarium, a water park, and a beach.

Taste Jakarta's Street Food

Jakarta's street food is delicious and affordable. Be sure to try satay, nasi goreng, and bakso.

Attend a Wayang Performance

Wayang is a traditional form of Indonesian puppet theater. It's an excellent way to learn more about Javanese culture and folklore.

Enjoy Ancol Beach

It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and practicing water sports. The beach also has a number of restaurants, cafés, and shops.

Jakarta is connected to all the major cities of Southeast Asia and Indonésie. It is therefore very easy to find domestic and international flights via the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The Indonesian capital is at the center of Java's road network and has the Port of Tanjung Priok. However, note that traffic within the city itself is among the most problematic in the world. Traffic jams, construction, and pollution are part of daily life for residents. If you wish to take the train, head to the Central Gambir Station, near Merdeka Square. The rail network connects major Javanese cities from east to west, such as Yogyakarta and Surabaya. Perfect for discovering Indonésie by train!

When to Visit Jakarta?

The best time to visit Jakarta is during the dry season, from May to September, when temperatures are pleasant and rainfall is low, offering ideal conditions for exploring the city.