13 Interesting Facts of Jakarta Old Town

Review by : Yuli SE., MM

The Old Town of Jakarta, also known as Old Batavia (Oud Batavia), is a small area in Jakarta, Indonesia. This special area has 1.3 square kilometers across North Jakarta and West Jakarta (Pinangsia, Taman Sari and Roa Malaka).

Although located in the middle of the bustle of the metropolis, this place is still thick will feel Jakarta past. This area is always crowded with tourists every day, both local and foreign tourists. In the beginning, the Old Town was built by the Dutch colonials as the center of commerce in Asia. The city of Jakarta, then known as Batavia, became the center of trade from and abroad through the cruise line. Here are some facts of the Jakarta Old Town might inspire you to visit.

Had been regarded as Asian Gem

During the Dutch colonial era, the Old City of Jakarta was regarded as Asian Gem and Queen of the East in the 16th century by travelers from Europe, when it was regarded as a trading center for the Asian continent because of its strategic location with abundant natural resources.

Completed with 5 main museums

In Kota Tua there are five main museums: Fatahillah Museum, Ceramic Museum, Wayang Museum, Bank Mandiri Museum and Bank Indonesia Museum. With a large field in the middle, this place is often a youth hangout that just want to talk lightly because many sellers and community gatherings are often gathered every weekend.

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Cipta Niaga Building is the most distinctive building in the Old Town area of Jakarta

Gedung Cipta Niaga is one of the revitalized buildings of Kota Tua Consortium. Formerly this building serves as an office. Currently the only floor is the location of the photo exhibition that the traveler can visit. Formerly this building functioned as a bank, which was here first a shipping company. In the past there were many trading offices in the Old Town.

The Old Town is a heritage building of Dutch Colonialism era

In the Old City of Jakarta you will feel visiting the city of ancient Jakarta. The old buildings with Dutch-made European architecture still stands straight gives the impression of time as it stops there. For those of you who like photography, Old Town Jakarta is also a paradise photographer. In addition to capturing the architecture of ancient buildings, photographers can also capture the whims of visitors who visit the Old City.

The most strategic place in the middle city for a vacation

The old city of Jakarta or also popular with Kota Tua is the most strategic tourism area in Jakarta. In addition to being located in the center of the capital city of Jakarta, various public transportation can take you to the Old Town of Jakarta, one of which trains. You can also reach this place with public transport access such as Kopaja, TransJakarta, or angkot.

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Also known as Old Batavia

Kota Tua Jakarta, also known as Old Batavia (Oud Batavia), is a small area in Jakarta, Indonesia. This special region has an area of 1.3 square kilometers across North Jakarta and West Jakarta (Pinangsia, Taman Sari and Roa Malaka). Nicknamed the “Jewel of Asia” and “Queen of the East” in the 16th century by European sailors, Old Jakarta is considered a trading center for the Asian continent because of its strategic location and abundant resources.

Inaugurated as a heritage site in 1972

In 1972, the Governor of Jakarta, Ali Sadikin, issued an official decree making the Old City as a heritage site. The governor’s decision is aimed at protecting the architectural history of the city – or at least the remaining buildings there. Although the Governor’s decree is issued, the Old City remains neglected. Many residents are warmly welcomed this decree, but not much is done to protect the heritage of the Dutch colonial era.

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Had been completed since 1650

The city of Batavia was completed in 1650. Batavia later became the headquarters of the VOC in the East Indies. Canals filled because of the emergence of a tropical epidemic within the city walls due to poor sanitation. The city began to spread south after the epidemic of 1835 and 1870 pushed many people out of the narrow city into the Weltevreden region (now the area around Merdeka Square). Batavia became the administrative center of the Dutch East Indies.

Some buildings have been destroyed

In the development of the Jakarta area, some buildings or places that are located in the old city of Jakarta are destroyed for some reason. Some of these places are Batavia Fortress, Amsterdam Gate, and Batavia Tramway. Some buildings are in poor condition mostly due to unclear building ownership.

Some buildings are getting damaged

Today, many historical buildings and architectures are getting damaged, such as: Jakarta History Museum (former Batavia City Hall, office and residence of Governor-General VOC), Maritime Museum, Sunda Kelapa Port, and Bank Indonesia Museum. However, there are still efforts to improve the Old City, especially from various non-profit organizations, private institutions, and municipalities that have worked together to restore the legacy of Jakarta’s Old City.

Built as the center of commerce in Asia

In the beginning, the Old Town was built by the Dutch colonials as the center of commerce in Asia. The city of Jakarta, then known as Batavia, became the center of trade from and abroad through the cruise line. In 1526, Fatahillah sent by the Sultanate of Demak attacked the port of Sunda Kelapa in the Kingdom of Pajajaran, which was later named Jayakarta.

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Located near Sunda Kelapa Port

The existence of Sunda Kelapa Port is one of history important for the Old City of Jakarta. This is where the beginning of Jakarta is widely known by the world. Many foreigners came to Indonesia through the Port of Sunda Kelapa. Around the 12th century, many merchants from China sailed here carrying handicrafts of ceramics and silk fabrics to be exchanged with spices.

A tourism area with a good location and position

Location Kota Tua Jakarta is a small area located in the capital city of Indonesia. This special area has a 1.3 square kilometer area across North Jakarta and West Jakarta. The route to Kota Tua Jakarta can be easily reached by either private or public transportation. Here’s how to get to this location.

Those are some facts of Jakarta Old Town. There are several types of public transportation that can take you to the tourist area of Old Town Jakarta. You can use the city bus or KRL (commuter line). This area can still be visited every day 24 hours. However, some of the tourist attractions in it have their own operational hours. Entrance fee to Old Town Jakarta is free. You will not be charged anything. That is why, you must try to visit this place someday.