Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia, located on the northwest part of Java. Java is located at the south part of Indonesia. The official name is Jakarta, Special Capital Region or Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta Raya (DKI Jaya) or DKI Jakarta. The head of government in Jakarta is a governor

The population of Jakarta is 7, 520,153 people. The total area of Jakarta is 662 sq. km. The population density is 11,360 people/sq. km.

Climate

tropical; hot, humid; more moderate in highlands

Language

Bahasa Indonesia (official, modified form of Malay)
English
Dutch
local dialects
the most widely spoken of which is Javanese.

Monetary Unit

Indonesian rupiah (IDR)

Tourist Attractions

National Monument

The National Monument or "Monas" is one of the monuments built during the Sukarno era of fierce nationalism. It stands for the people's determination to achieve freedom and the crowning of their efforts in the Proclamation of Independence in August 1945. The 137-metre tall marble obelisk is topped with a flame coated with 35 kg of gold. The base houses a historical museum and a hall for meditations. The monument is open to the public and upon request the lift can carry visitors to the top, which offers a bird's eye view on the city and the sea.

Arjuna Wijaya Statue

Gracing the southwestern corner of the Freedom Square, this is an eye-catching statue that no visitor should miss. It depicts Arjuna Wijaya, the charismatic archer of the Five Pandava Indian legend, with a bow and arrow, riding a chariot of six galloping horses - a scene supposedly taken from Bharata Yuda War when Arjuna defeated Karna. The monument holds great significance for the locals, with some believing that the very figure opens a door to the spiritual world.

Arsip Nasional (National Archive Building)

Originally built as a private residence, this splendid Dutch-style mansion and its annexes were built by Reinier de Klerk, before he became Batavia's governor-general in 1777. The property changed hands several times and finally functioned as a national archive center until the mid-1980s. Set in landscaped gardens, the building provides visitors an insight into the luxurious lifestyle of the well-heeled Dutch colonists in the 18th century. Since its reopening in November 1998, it serves as a public space for cultural events and the exhibition of the nation's archives. Admission is free.

Farmer's Statue

This statue was a gift from the Soviet Union in 1963. Sculpted by a Russian duo, it depicts a farmer who faces forward to join the revolution, while his wife bids him farewell. Gracing the traffic circle in front of Hyatt Aryaduta Hotel, this outstanding art form conveys Communist overtones and ranks quite low in popularity among the locals. To some, however, it stands as a symbol of peace amid the city's traffic and pollution.

Ex-Mahkamah Agung (Old Supreme Court Building)

This building was once the Supreme Court of Indonesia, where high-profile cases were brought to trial and where Dutch officials met to make decisions regarding the West Indies. Built in 1848, it reflects the elegant charm of the past. The white house of the Ministry of Finance, standing just adjacent, was originally part of the complex. The new Supreme Court is now located in the neighborhood of Freedom Square, close to the National Monument. Admission is free, but written permission is required three days in advance.

Gedung Departemen Keuangan (Ministry of Finance Building)

Construction of this architectural gem was commissioned by Governor-General Herman Willem Daendels in 1809 but did not finish until 1828. Modeled in an Empire style, the proportionate Witte Huis (White House) measures 160 meters lengthwise. The piles on the first story feature a Doric design, whereas those on the second level sport an Ionic one. In the past, the building hosted many state functions and even served as a post office, a printing office and a high court. Today, it houses the Ministry of Finance. Admission is free, but written permission is required three days in advance.

Gedung MPR-DPR (Parliament Building)

Situated on a beautifully landscaped 60-hectare block of land, this complex is easily recognizable with its eye-catching domed-roof and unique architectural design. The interior features a marble floor and high ceiling, with charming woodcarvings gracing the lounge. The People's Consultative Assembly and the National Congress (MPR and DPR) gather here for periodic meetings. Visitors are allowed to enter the conference rooms, library and small museum with prior permission.

Gelanggang Renang (Ancol Water Park)

Ancol Water Park water park consists of various pools and slides that will thrill both children and adults that never quite grew up. Experience a day of fun-filled adventures by braving the rapids, diving down the slides, enjoying the exciting water rides or just splashing around.

Gereja Immanuel (Immanuel Church)

Also known as Willemskerk, this beautiful church with a domed roof was built in honor of King Willem I of the Netherlands. He was renowned for his numerous efforts to unite the various denominations of Christianity under one crown. The organ that is still being played today dates back to 1843, while the Bible was printed in 1748. The church's name was changed to Immanuel (God will be with us) in 1948. It conducts services in Bahasa Indonesia, Dutch and English.

Jalan Surabaya

This street is located in one of the city's better residential areas known for its flea market. Stalls offer a wide range of goods, some of them antiquities, including ornate lamps, porcelain, brass-ware, handicrafts, Bargaining is necessary, including the skill to distinguish authenticity from imitations.

Fantasy Land

A recent addition to Jakarta's growing recreation facilities is the Fantasy Land, a 9.5 hectares (23.75 acres) entertainment park located inside the Ancol Dreamland. Planned to eventually become a part of a 200-hectares (500-acres) park designed to usher the visitors into the fascinating world of modern science and technology, the present facility takes them on an imaginative tour of Old Jakarta, Africa, America, Indonesia, Europe, Asia and the Palace of Dolls. Each of the areas is designed to give the visitor a feel of the region he is visiting through features and architecture of the area at a certain period of its history and by the use of animated puppets in the Palace of Dolls.

Jakarta Arts Center

The focal point of cultural activities in Jakarta is the Jakarta Art Center, known as Taman Ismail Marzuki or TIM in short. It is said to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia and consists of exhibition halls, theaters, an academy of arts, an archives building and a planetarium. A monthly programme of events, available at hotel counters, includes exhibitions, plays, musical and poetry recitals, dance performances, folk art and drama from the various regions of Indonesia.