Jakarta, a city of contrasts

One cannot help but be overwhelmed by Jakarta for its vastness and its population. Divided into five administrative regions - North, South, West, East and Central - it is home to over 12 million people. The country's capital, Jakarta is a bustling metropolis that never stops growing, where the traditional and the modem, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly often stand side by side. Because of its strategic location on the shores of the Java Sea, for centuries Jakarta has been a meeting point for the different races, cultures and traditions of the hundreds of ethnic groups that compose Indonesia and of the foreign travelers and traders that visit the archipelago. Today, Jakarta has all kinds of attractions to offer, ranging from museums, art and antique markets, first class shopping, good accommodations and food, to a wide variety of cultural activities.

National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta is located in Lapangan Monas or Merdeka Square in Gambir. This monument was constructed under the orders and directions of President Soekarno in 1961. However, its construction could not be completed before 1975. Built during Soekarno’s era of nationalism, it recollects the nationalist pride of the Indonesian people who fought against the Dutch colonialist. Located in central Jakarta, this monument is considered to be one of the most prominent memories of Indonesian nationalist spirit. National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta was designed by the architects, Soedarsono and F. Silaban with inputs from Ir. Rooseno. Built across a land of 80 hectar, this monument was inaugurated for common men on July 12, 1975 and was known as Tugu Monas. It was earlier known by several other names like Lapangan Gambir, Lapangan Ikada, Lapangan Merdeka, Lapangan Monas and Taman Monas.

The National Museum holds an extensive collection of historical, pre-historic, archeological and ethno-graphic artifacts and relics. It houses one of the most complete collections of bronzes and ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang, Ming mn dynasties, and statuary and sculpture which display Indonesia's Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influences.

A visit to the old town area and Chinatown in North Jakarta is like stepping back in time to the days of the Dutch colonial rule. Surrounded by period buildings Taman Fatahillah square and the Jakarta Museum was once the Dutch East Indies Company's Town Hall in 17th and 18th century. Old maps and antiquities used by the Dutch colonist in the 18th century are put on display.

Across the square, besides the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, the Wayang Museum holds a collection of wayang puppets from parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The wooden and leather puppets displayed here represent the finest craftsmanship of the traditional theater. Shortened performances of the wayang kulit (leather puppets) are given every Sunday morning.

Another must see in the area is the Maritime Museum in the Sunda Kelapa Harbor area with its landmark old harbormaster's tower. The museum is housed in two former Dutch East Indies Company warehouses and exhibits Indonesia's seafaring tradition. Models of sea going vessels from all parts of the archipelago are displayed.

Early birds will enjoy going to Sunda Kelapa at dawn and watch fish freshly brought in from the sea being auctioned. This harbor was formerly an important trading port for the Portuguese and the Hindu Kingdom of Pajajaran in the early 16th century. Ruins of an Old Batavia's Kasteel (castle), warehouses and relics from the days of the spice trade can still be seen. Still functioning as a fisherman's wharf and an inter island port, Sunda Kelapa provides a safe harbor for tall masted Bugis schooners carrying merchandise as they have been doing for centuries.
Easily recognized for its authentic Betawi architecture, the Textile Museum in West Jakarta possesses a collection of over 327 kinds of textiles from all over the country: handwoven cotton, silk and batik cloths, both of the ancient and contemporary productions. A small workshop shows the process of batik making.

• Enriching and filling pastimes

As centers of Jakarta's cultural activities, Gedung Kesenian Jakarta and Taman Ismail Marzuki offer monthly programs which may include exhibitions, plays, musical and poetry recitals, folk art, dance performances and drama from local artists and visiting performers.

The way of life of Jakarta's indigenous habitants, the Betawi people, can be witnessed in the city's several Betawi cultural reserves, such as Situ Babakan and Condet in South Jakarta. Living in traditionally designed houses, the betawi population kepp alive traditional Betawi arts and culture, such as the Tanjidor orchestra, the Topeng Blantek dance and Betawi wayang performances, to name a few. Betawi dialects are also used daily among the people.

• A shopper's paradise

Whether you are a serious spender or half-hearted shopper, there is sure to be something for everybody in Jakarta. Multi-level shopping centers offer branded goods and local products from fashion to electronics while our traditional markets attract the more adventurous with tempting displays luscious tropical fruits and exotic tropical blooms. At Mangga Dua, textiles, garments, electronics and computers are sold wholesale price and cheaper with large quantity buys.

At Sarinah and Pasaraya Grande, be amazed with the variety of local handicrafts of superior workman ship, such as batiks, ikats, gems, brassware, silverware and wooden carvings.

• Aquatic fun and maritime splendor

A wonderful place for children and grown ups, Jaya Ancol Dreamland on the north coast of Jakarta is a popular recreation park complete with the Dunia Fantasi theme park, Sea World, swimming pools, an artificial lagoon for fishing, boating, bowling alley, nightclubs, restaurants and first class accommodations. The Pasar Seni or art market is full of artists, carvers and painters who produce and sell their work on the spot. Live music, from jazz, pop to the lively dangdut are staged every Friday nights in an open air theater.Off the coast of north Jakarta, the warm waters of the Jakarta Bay and the Java Sea beckon you to explore the Thousand Islands or Pulau Seribu. This cluster of islands offer an array of activities, from lazing on golden beaches to joining in vigorous water sports, camping at ruins of an old Dutch fort or enjoying first-class accommodations.