What To Do in South Jakarta

Jakarta’s southern district, known, fittingly, as South Jakarta, has the largest population of Jakarta’s five districts. With nearly 2 million people, the district is not only large; it is also full of attractions aimed at visitors and locals alike. A thriving nightlife scene and multiple shopping venues add to the atmosphere of South Jakarta.

Setu Babakan is a nice spot. With most of Jakarta being the scene of unbridled urbanization, this park is a bit of a haven from city life. Aside from the park, there is a small village dedicated to the traditional culture of native Jakartans. The park itself is free to enter, and usually not over crowded.

For a little more excitement, Pondok Indah Water Park is the place to go. There are multiple slides and a large pool. If amusement park atmosphere makes you cringe, there are plenty of offbeat museums around South Jakarta. Most of these celebrate nationalism. The Police Museum is interesting, though Jakarta’s police force has a rather dubious reputation in recent years. Ruang Rupa Gallery is a good place to find fine art. The quest for a national identity can also be found in the center of South’s traffic circles. Statues paying homage to the students’ independence movement and the police have central locations. These are interesting pieces, but feel more like propaganda than art.

Entertainment areas like Block M are places to find nightclubs, movie theaters, and karaoke. There is a mall, or rather, an expansive monument to consumerism, at one end of Blok M. The food court is decent inside the mall. At night, many bars catering to foreigners offer pool, dancing, hostesses, and big screens showing sports.

Pondok Indah Mall is one of the largest in Jakarta. In fact, the complex consists of two malls connected by a skyway. Aside from its size, there is little difference between this and other Jakarta malls. Still, this mall is a favorite of Jakarta’s foreign community. If you ask an expat which mall you should visit, you will probably be directed here.

Erasmus Huis is a rather unique arts venue offering art shows and various types of performances. Jakarta’s modern art scene is actually quite diverse, but it can be difficult to find. This is a good place to start.

South Jakarta is probably the most impressively urbanized district of Jakarta. The diversity of the area’s attraction makes it a good place to visit.