Jakarta: Past and Present
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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 16th 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?
You can also read an ‘outsider’ review about Jakarta from another Hubpages member which gives an insight look of a Jakarta here. I’m amazed by what he has visited so far and the details of each place! Good writing, thanks!
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!
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Comments
I was in Jakarta in 1987. Was working there for 8 weeks. Enjoyed my stay. Came back again for two weeks, for more work. Mini Indonesia was a good place to visit to understand the complex cultures that comprises Indonesia. Good hub.
thanks! actually there's a little error about the statistical thing after having been criticized by some of Jakarta-lovers. I'm gonna check out for the right source first then I'll come back later with the corrections.
Thanks for the memories.
I was there in the 1980s and may be back soon.
A place of huge variations...beggars on the street outside massive extravagent shopping complexes is the image it left on me.
All the best
Tony
hi, crafty, thanks for your comment. Are you sure in 1980s? because as long as I remember, the construction building of gigantic malls are just around in late 1990's and up to now.
We are enjoying reading positive pontification about Indonesia during the 1980's. But we are eager to visit this rich country, mother nature glorified.
Today 9th.July,2009. We are a group of Europeans wish to visit Indonesia. We explore the internet and ask questions:-
We are warned to choose the right Taxi-cab. Must be careful otherwise if we take the wrong colour we are in great trouble and left halfway on the motorway and the armed taxi driver takes all our belongings including cash and documents.
We are warned not to carry our wallets. If we just show wallets Indonesians might attack us.
We are warned not to use ATM Credit-Card. The Danger is shops will copy Card and use it themselves.
We must be careful not to drink or eat in restaurants. Drinks and food might be contaminated with sleeping drugs to put us asleep and they steal all our cash and documents.
We must not talk to Indonesian girls most of them are HIV positive.
We must not trust our possessions in hotel-rooms.
Indonesians in their wrongs are protected and Indonesian Police do not interfer. Any Indonesian-criminal is protected in his country.
We have to be careful on the Public-Transport. We want to share a nice and friendly holiday with Indonesia.
We do not wish to put our lives in danger and jeopardy. Insead this year we are visiting India.
We find it safer to see the glory of Indonesia sitting in at home on our TV sets
Johanni
topstuff says:
2 years ago
Beautiful city.