Jakarta
is the main gateway to Indonesian archipelago. It is a contrast
of modern western architecture and traditional Indonesian culture.
Its rapid growth into a metropolitan city, however, is a reflection
of the economic, political, social and industrial development of
the nation.
This
enormous city has humble roots, starting as a small harbour town
called Sunda Kelapa, but its actual founding dates back to the June
22, 1527 when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighbouring
Sultanate of Banten. The name Jayakarta means City of Great Victory
but under Dutch control the name was changed to Batavia. Shortly
after the outbreak of World War II, Batavia fell into the hands
of invading Japanese forces who also changed the name of the city.
This
time it was called Jakarta as a gesture aimed at winning the sympathy
of the Indonesians. The name was retained even when Indonesia achieved
national independence after the wars end. Now, as Jakarta, it is
the centre of government, business and industry and spreads over
an area of more than 650 sq.km (410 sq miles) with a population
of over nine million people. It is also designated as a special
territory, (DKI) which means that it is administered by a governor
and en joys the same status as a province.
In
recent years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors with
multi-star luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and
modern shopping centers as well as tourist attractions like Taman
Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park),
marine resorts in the Bay of Jakarta, an extensive beach recreation
complex and restored colonial period buildings.
Jakarta's
architecture reflects the history of outside influences which came
and left their mark on this vital seaport city. The Taman Fatahillah
Restoration Project, begun in the early 1970's, has restored one
of the oldest sections of Jakarta, known as Old Batavia or Kota,
to almost its original state. An old Portuguese Church
and warehouse have been rejuvenated into living museums.
The old Supreme Court building is now a museum of fine arts and
houses part of a superb Chinese porcelain collection of former Vice-President
Adam Malik and the old Town Hall has become the Jakarta Museum,
displaying such rare items as Indonesia's old historical documents
and Dutch period furniture Even the city's tower clock was returned
to England to be repaired under its lifetime guarantee, a lifetime
which until now has lasted for hundreds of years!
Jakarta
is traditional and modern; rich and poor; spiritual and worldly
standing side by side in this bustling metropolis. The population,
gathered from the diverse ethnic and cultural groups which shape
Indonesia, are often in contrast and a reminder of the nation's
motto; Unity in Diversity. The ethnic Jakarta called "Orang
Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, also spoken in the surrounding
towns such of Bekasi and Tangerang. This language has two variations;
conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people born and bred
in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay spoken by the younger generation
and migrants.
As
Indonesia's main gateway, Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International
Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and provides
an abundance of domestic flights. Transport within the city is plentiful.
It
should be noted that most museums are open daily from 8.00am (except
Mondays) until 2.00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
On Fridays closing hour is at 11.OOam and on Saturdays at 1.OOpm.
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