Jakarta: Past and Present

Jakarta, with the most population in the world after India, China, and Russia, is a historical, old, business-centered and metropolitan city besides its duty as the capital city of Indonesia. Today it has reached nearly 25 millions people, which is more than a half of Indonesian population, Jakarta used to be the cleanest city in Asia during the 350 years of Dutch colonialization when it was named ‘Batavia’.

Jakarta is a name given by Prince Jayakarta in 16^th century before J.P.Coen changed it into Batavia during his power. But actually the very first name of the city was Sunda Kelapa, which is known for its harbour and gained popularity when it was conquered by Fatahillah, a sultan from Demak, from the hand of Portuguese army.

However, under the Dutch rule, Batavia used to be a modern, safe, clean, and beautiful city as they built very good dam systems for irrigation, city parks, railways and stations, roads, and several Victorian style buildings. Although in constructing those infrastructures and public facilities caused many local or native people lost their lives, but the historical values that remain makes us think of an important lesson: why can’t we learn from what they have given to us?

Now Jakarta has many, complex social, political, structural problems that I do not suppose can be resolved just in ‘one eye-wink’, as expected by a lot of our people. The yearly flood, daily heavy traffic, numerous gigantic shopping malls and apartments problems, are just a few of many other things. But still, despite all of these matters, Jakarta is still an interesting place for foreign tourists to be explored. Especially for those looking for another stress-relieving ambiance, Jakarta offers sincere smiles and friendly hospitality from its local pupils. So… welcome aboard to Jakarta!