Jakarta

Jakarta located on the Northwestern coast of Java, is the capital city of Indonesia. For the majority of its residents, it is a city of promise. The hope for better life has contributes to the fast increase in population size, where today, it has over 15 million people. Jakarta is the centre of government where most of the state’s important decision are made but it is also the economic center. At first glance, it is certainly not a tourist place but there are some parts of Jakarta that’s worth looking into. Those with an interest in Indonesia history and culture, Jakarta offer finest museum in Asia, colonial architecture, performing arts and rich intellectual life.

Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta’s old harbor , the name is the original Hindu spice trading post that was conquered and converted to Islam more than four and a half centuries ago. The area around Sunda Kelapa ia rich in history. Museum Bahari, a maritime museum is a restored 17th century Dutch warehouse. The museum houses traditional sailing craft from all corners of the archipelago and old maps. Pasar Ikan (fish market) behind Museum Bahari, beyong numerous stalls selling nautical gear. Ancol Dreamland, once swampland and now featuring beach-front hotels, goft course, bowling alley, art and craft market, drive -in theater and swimming pool. There are several theme parks including Sea World and Dunia Fantasi.

At the central Jakarta, National Monument (Monas), a 137 m tall marbel obelish set in the centre of Medan Merdeka. Th emonument is surmounted by an observation deck and a 14m bronze flame sheathed in 33kg of gold. To the north of Monas, there is splendid villa that houses National Archives. This is the last scones of 18th century mansion built by rich Dutch officials of the East India Company.

Presidential Palace, consists of two 19th century neo-classical style villas back to back. Facing the north and the older one is Istana Negara, was built by a wealthy Dutch merchant around 1800. Facing the south Istana Merdeka which was added in in 1879, was a reception area.

Istiglal Mosque, is a massive dome and rakish minarets, is one of the largest mosques in East Asia.

Pulau Seribu (Thousands Island) are uninhabited and inaccessible except by private boats. The beaches are white , water is generally crystal clear and peaceful. Kota, use to be the old town of Batavia came to life in 1620’s as a tiny walled town modelled after Amsterdam. Taman Fatahillah, the old square area and three of the surrounding colonial edifices have been converted into three museums.

History Museum, is a huge building with spacious room with an octagonal shaped bell tower. It is use as Batavia city’s adminstration and also houses the offices of the Bench of Magistrates and Council of Justice.

Wayang Museum is known to have the best collection of wayang puppets in Java. Fine Art Museum serve as a art galaery exhibiting famous Indonesian painters such as Radeh Saleh, Basuki Abdullah and Affandi. A collection of ceramics is also display.

Taman Mini was officially opened in 1975 us located at east Jakarta is a beautiful Indonesia in miniature park, which compresses the entire archipelago into a single attraction. Encompassing 100 hectares, Taman Mini has 27 main pavilions, one for each Indonesia’s provinces. It also has as orchid garden, bird parks and several museum. A large lagoon with minatures of Indonesian islands is located at the Northern side. Keong Mas theater shows an imex screen of Indonesian Panorama.