Jakarta,
the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, is a special territory
enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta,
covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast
of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry
and as such has an extensive communications network with the rest
of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's main gateway,
the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of
international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of
contrasts; the traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor,
the sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in this bustling
metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those diverse ethnic
and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed
as an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.
Finding its origin in the small early 16th century harbor town
of Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's founding is thought to have taken place
on June 22, 1527, when it was re-named Jayakarta, meaning Glorious
Victory by the conquering Prince Fatahillah from neighboring Cirebon.
The Dutch East Indies Company which captured the town and destroyed
it in 1619, changed its name into Batavia and made it the center
for the expansion of their power in the East Indies. Shortly after
the outbreak of World War II, Batavia fell into the hands of the
invading Japanese forces who changed the name of the city into Jakarta
as a gesture aimed at winning the sympathy of the Indonesians.
The name was retained after Indonesia achieved national independence
after the war's end. The ethnic Jakartan called "Orang Betawi"
speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well in the surrounding towns such
as Bekasi and Tangerang. This language has two variations: the conventional
Betawi Malay and the modern Jakarta Malay. While the first is spoken
by the elder people, born and bred in Jakarta, the second is spoken
by the younger generation and migrants.
Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of
outside influences which came and has remained in this vital seaport
city. The Taman Fatahillah Restoration Project, begun in the early
1970s has restored one of the oldest sections of Jakarta also known
as Old Batavia to approximately its original state.
The old Portuguese Church and warehouse have been rehabilitated
into living museums. The old Supreme Court building is now a museum
of fine arts which also houses part of the excellent Chinese porcelain
collection of former Vice President Adam Malik. The old Town Hall
has become the Jakarta Museum, displaying such rare items as Indonesia's
old historical documents and Dutch period furniture.
Its tower clock was once returned to England to be repaired under
its lifetime guarantee, which up to now has already lasted hundreds
of years.
One of the most interesting tourist attractions is the "Beautiful
Indonesia in Miniature Park" popularly called "Taman Mini".
Built to portray the variety of cultures found within the many islands
contained in the Republic of Indonesia, this open-air museum comprises
the many architectural forms of arts and traditions of all 27 provinces.
It is proof of the country's motto of Unity in Diversity as well
as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses of worship built on
the grounds.
Jakarta has preserved its past and is developing for the future.
Skyscrapers in the center of the city are part of a new look. Modern
luxury hotels today cater to the discriminating visitors. Transport
within the city is plentiful. It should be noted that museums are
open daily from 8.00 a.m. (except Mondays) till 2.00 p.m. on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On Fridays closing hour is 11.00
a.m. and on Saturdays at 1.00 p.m.
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