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 hundreds of ethnic groups that compose Indonesia and of the foreign travelers and traders that visit the archipelago.
A bustling metropolis that never stops growing, Jakarta is home to over 12 million people. As the country’s capital, Jakarta’s attractions are a blend of all that is modern with the traditional and of the different ethnic influences that converge. Today, Jakarta has all kinds of attractions to offer, ranging from museums, art and antique markets, first-class shopping and accommodations to food and a wide variety of cultural activities.
Attractions
Indonesia’s most famous landmark, the National Monument or Monas is a 137 m obelisk topped with a flame sculpture coated with 35 kg of gold. Climbing to the top of the monument will provide the viewers with a panorama of the city.
For a brief glimpse into Indonesia’s rich past, the National Museum holds an extensive collection of historical, pre-historic, archeological and ethnographic artifacts and relics that provide an introduction to the life of the various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia. It houses one of the most complete collections of bronzes and ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang, Ming Dynasties, and statuary and sculpture which display Indonesia’s Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic influences. Cloth and money, traditional musical instruments, arts and crafts provide an introduction to the life of the various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia.
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. Old warehouses of the Dutch East Indies Company and period buildings now house a variety of museums. The Maritime Museum in the Sunda Kelapa Harbor area with its landmark old harbor-master’s tower exhibits Indonesia’s seafaring tradition. Models of sea going vessels from all parts of the archipelago are displayed. The Jakarta Historical Museum was once the Dutch East Indies Company’s Town Hall in the 17th and 18th century. Old maps and antiquities used by the Dutch colonists in the 18th century are put on display. Across from the Fine Art and Ceramic Museum, the Wayang Museum holds a collection of wayang puppets from parts of Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Shortened performances of the wayang kulit (leather puppets) are given every Sunday morning.
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 are put on display in an authentic Betawi house which is the Textile Museum. A small workshop shows the process of batik making.
Continue reading Attractions in Jakarta
Follow Us!