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History and General Information
Jakarta is the main gateway to Indonesian archipelago.It is a contrast of modern western archetecture 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 enermous city has humble roots, starting as a small harbour town called Sunda Kelapa, but its actual founding dates back to june 22, 1527 when it was named Jayakarta by Fatahillah of the neighbouring Sultane 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 WW 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 war's end. Now, as Jakarta, it is the center 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 millions people. It is also designated as a special territory, (DKI), which means that it is administered by a governor and enjoys 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 Fatahilah Restoration Project, begun int he 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 Portugese Church and warehouse have been rejuvenated into living musiumm. The old Supreme Court building is now 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Adam Malik and the old Town Hall has become the Jakarta Museum, displaying such rare items as Indonesia's old historical documents and Dutch's period furniture.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 wordly standing side by side in this bustling metropolis. The population, gathered from the diversed ethnic and cultural groups which shape Indonesia, are often in contrast and a reminder of the nation 's motto; Unity in Diversity. The ethnic Jakartan 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 elderpeople 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 (EXCEPT MONDAY) from 8.00am until 2.00pm on Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday and Sundays. On Fridays closing houris at 11.00am and on Saturday at 1.00pm.