Discover Jakarta
Exploring the Literary Heart of Jakarta, from Matraman to Kenari
Along the roads linking East and Central Jakarta, from Matraman to Salemba and through to Kenari, the city’s literary, intellectual and cultural past continue to have a presence. In these districts, the country’s largest bookshops, a library preserving rare newspapers, centuries-old Bibles, and a museum devoted to a prominent Betawi figure, are all to be
The Pedestrian’s Guide to Cikini
Welcome to Cikini: From century-old coffee houses and cultural landmarks to new dining spots, here’s how to spend a day exploring one of Central Jakarta’s best-known neighbourhoods on foot. There’s a reason Cikini continues to draw both first-time visitors and locals. Once part of the estate of celebrated Indonesian painter Raden Saleh, the neighbourhood has
Primaya PGI Cikini Hospital: A Historic House of Care
When we speak of historical sites, what usually comes to mind might be citadels, monuments or even public parks. Somewhere as practical and everyday as a hospital rarely enters that picture. Yet one of Jakarta’s continuously operating hospitals – known today as Primaya PGI Cikini Hospital – stands on grounds that have served as a
Medan Merdeka: Jakarta’s Symbolic Square of Freedom
At the very heart of Jakarta lies Medan Merdeka, an expansive square that has witnessed the city’s transformation from colonial outpost to modern capital. Whilst the soaring National Monument (Monas) stands at its centre, the square predates the iconic structure and indeed Indonesia itself. This square has witnessed royal celebrations and military parades, early expressions
From Wilhelmina Park to Istiqlal Mosque: The History of Jakarta’s Most Symbolic Site
The site on which Istiqlal Mosque was built near Pasar Baru in Central Jakarta, was once the colonial-era Wilhelmina Park, which also extended towards the Jakarta Cathedral. The historic Lapangan Banteng square and Medan Merdeka are also nearby—both clear examples of how post-independence Jakarta rewrote the meaning of its inherited spaces. Long before Southeast Asia’s
The History that Hides on the Thousand Islands
Beyond their white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and tranquil seaside resorts, Kepulauan Seribu (the Thousand Islands) offers fascinating island-hopping experiences steeped in heritage and history. Since the early 17th century, they have served as buffer zones and defensive outposts for the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and later, the Dutch colonial administration. Today, these historical remains
The Distinctive Flavours of Betawi Satay
Sate, or satay, is one of Indonesia’s most beloved traditional dishes. Consisting of skewered and grilled meat served with richly seasoned accompaniments, sate can be found across the archipelago in countless regional variations. The Betawi people of Jakarta have also developed their own interpretations of sate, including the distinctive sate asam manis and sate lembut.
At Jatinegara, Traces of the ‘True State’ Remain
Once known as Meester Cornelis, Jatinegara evolved into a key satellite city alongside Kebayoran Lama, supporting the growth of old Jakarta. Today, the district remains an important centre of commerce and administration in the eastern part of the city. Its charm lies in the quiet coexistence of eras, where colonial-era architecture and historic places of
Time Capsule: Hotel des Indes and Its Many Afterlives
Once a colonial hotel, later Duta Merlin, and now part of an MRT-linked future, this Harmoni site has moved through several urban afterlives It is not an exaggeration to say that at Harmoni, one stretch of ground has carried more than one city upon it. For much of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, that ground
Topeng Betawi: Masks that Tell the Soul of Jakarta
Among the diverse mask traditions of the Indonesian archipelago, topeng Betawi stands out as one of the oldest performing arts of Jakarta’s cultural heritage. Closely associated with Lenong Topeng, a traditional Betawi folk theatre, these masks are not merely decorative elements, but essential storytelling devices that bring characters and narratives vividly to life. Born from
A City for Curious Learners: Inspiring Destinations For Young Minds
Every aspiration starts with inspiration, and for children, a single experience can shift how they see the world. With increasing appreciation for the early enrichment of young learners, Jakarta is offering more and more opportunities for them to be introduced to new ideas and interests; to immerse themselves in the engaging worlds of history, art,
The Long Life of Metropole XXI Cinema
It is hard to miss Metropole XXI when walking around Cikini, Central Jakarta. Located near the junction ofJl. Diponegoro, Jl. Pegangsaan Timur, and Jl. Proklamasi, the multipurpose building stands out with its stark-white exterior and looming tower. Its name, arranged vertically in gold lettering, immediately draws the eye. Designed by architect Liauw Goan Seng, Metropole
Kemayoran: Jakarta’s First Window to the World
Before glass towers defined Jakarta’s skyline and long-haul jets redrew the map of Southeast Asia, there was Kemayoran, a place where Indonesia first stepped onto the global stage. Long before modern airports reshaped the nation’s horizons, Kemayoran in Central Jakarta served as Indonesia’s primary gateway to the world. More than a city district or a
