NOW! Jakarta’s community column opens up the magazine’s pages to the readers, allowing them to share their own insights and experiences of the city with other readers. Through ‘The Reader’s Dispatch,’ our audience can widen their perspective on how others experience Jakarta.
What’s your favourite Jakarta ‘area’ or ‘neighbourhood’ and why?
Dharmawangsa
I love Dharmawangsa, or Blok A or Panglima Polim – however you like to call it. This lush neighbourhood, Dharmawangsa offers comfort and a bit of serenity within the buzzing Jakarta. You can find coffee, pastry, desserts, and food across all price ranges, plus yoga studios, beauty salons, wellness centre, creative compounds… even curated thrift shops found in the the area just walking distance from the Blok A MRT Station.
Unlike Blok M (its neighbour), cafes, restaurants, and places in Dharmawangsa are a bit scattered in different lanes or alleys. This makes the experience of visiting Dharmawangsa more exciting and a bit healthy! You can walk around the neighbourhood under the trees, achieving your daily steps while people-watching. Brookland Coffee is where I found one of my favourite Ice Americanos in the city! Wijaya Car Trunk Market is the reason why people cannot copy my style; De’Stijl has lovely coffee and strawberry matcha cruffin. Blue Door is a local legend. Sinilagi does not have a single failed menu. So many nice places I want to gatekeep but to share at the same time.
If only it had better sidewalks!
Nadia Fausta Azhara
6,5 years in Jakarta
Policy Manager, @curearted
Cikini
Cikini has it all. You can read books for free at the city’s library in Taman Ismail Marzuki. For people who love to explore for food, Cikini is the place to go. Bakmi Roxy is always a local favourite; Bubur Ayam Cikini, H. Sulaeman has been around since the 60s, and it always feels like comfort food whenever you need it. Not to mention all the coffee shops now, from the trendy ones to vintage spots like Bakoel Koffie.
As a matter of fact, Cikini fascinates me with its layers of history, especially the stories of important figures from the past, from the most prominent painter, Raden Saleh, to the traces of Indonesia’s struggle for independence at former residence of Achmad Subardjo.
Even though the area is not perfect, Cikini has convenient infrastructure and is easy to explore on foot.
Farid Mardhiyanto
40 years in Jakarta
Jakarta Tour Guide, @thisis_farid
Jagakarsa
Jagakarsa is characterised by its surprisingly lush landscape. Unlike the high-rise dominated skyline of Sudirman or Kuningan, this neighbourhood is defined by low-rise houses, narrow winding streets, and an abundance of trees. It’s home to the iconic Setu Babakan, a dedicated cultural village where Betawi heritage is preserved through architecture, food, and arts (remember Si Doel the movie?).
Nestled in the southern reaches of Jakarta, Jagakarsa feels less like a cog in a megacity and more like a suburban sanctuary. Thanks to the high density of trees and less industrial activity, the air feels noticeably fresher than in North or Central Jakarta. Real estate tends to be more affordable here than in neighbouring Cilandak or Kemang. Its location is highly strategic for professionals and students: directly served by the Commuter Line via the Lenteng Agung and Tanjung Barat stations, quick access to the TB Simatupang CBD for corporate workers, and connects to the Lebak Bulus MRT and Transjakarta networks for seamless travel across the city.
Here, you aren’t just a resident; you’re part of a community where the air is cleaner, the neighbours know your name, and the rhythmic sound of the distant train reminds you that you’ve finally found the “real” Jakarta—all while remaining a mere hop from the sleek office towers of the city.
Johan Indra Wiratanto
18 years in Jakarta
Corporate Banker, @johantanto
Pondok Indah
My favourite area in Jakarta has to be Pondok Indah, especially around the mall. There’s just something about the place that feels familiar and comforting: lively but not overwhelming, classy yet still welcoming. I love how everything feels accessible — from cosy cafés to bookstores, to quiet corners where you can just sit and breathe after a long day.
No matter how my day goes, Pondok Indah Mall always feels like a reset button. Whether it’s a small self-reward after work or just some quiet me-time, every corner seems to carry its own kind of remedy. That’s why the hashtag #rumahkedua fits it perfectly. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels that way.
Anggita Davina Nasution
25 years in Jakarta
@anggitadavina
Want to share your thoughts in the next Readers’ Dispatch?
The column topic for our May-June edition is: “Your favourite authentic Betawi dish.”
You can submit your answer directly to nowjakarta@phoenix.co.id , or submit through the online form here.
