The Story of Jakarta's Old City and Its Development

Visiting the capital city of Jakarta would not be complete without us knowing an icon of the development of civilization that flourished in this colonial period, the Old City of Jakarta. One of the icons of the national capital of the Republic of Indonesia besides Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and Monas. The Old City of Jakarta is a designation for a heritage building that has been preserved until now to commemorate the early formation of Jakarta. In the past the Old City building was a symbol of power and glory that was contested by many great leaders. It is said that whoever manages to conquer this territory is a true leader. So, it's only natural that this old building's icon is so preserved until now.
The Old City of Jakarta is located between two municipalities namely West Jakarta and North Jakarta, precisely in the Pinangsia Village, Tamansari District. Its strategic position made it easy to visit at the time. Even various kingdoms compete for power in this region. The following is a review of the history of Jakarta's Old City from time to time. Jakarta Old City is the name of a building which is precisely located in Pinangsia Village, Tamansari District, West Jakarta Municipality. The location of this building is bordered by several strategic places including:

In the north, it is bordered by the Sunda Kelapa Harbor and the Java Sea

East side, bordering Ciliwung River

West side, bordering Krukut River

South side, bordering Jalan Batu Bridge

The strategic location of the Old City eventually led to a struggle for regional power. Starting from the Kingdom of Pajajaran, the Kingdom of Tarumanegara, the Sultanate of Banten, the VOC, and Japan used to fight over it. Jakarta's Old City is also known by its old name as "Oud Batavia" or old Batavia. As we know that Batavia was also a name for the city of Jakarta today. The Old City area, which covers an area of ​​around 1.3 km2, was once called the "Jewel of Asia" and "Queen of the East". This region is a very strategic trade center in Asia, moreover there are so many abundant results in this place. Naturally, many leaders were not willing to give up their power in this area.

The history of the Old City begins in the 15th century, precisely in 1526 when Fatahillah carried out an attack on the Hindu kingdom of Pajajaran. The attack occurred right at the Sunda Kelapa Harbor on the orders of the Sultanate of Demak. This area has an area of ​​15 ha, with a spatial layout adopting Javanese culture. Furthermore, this area was given the name Jayakarta, even claimed to be the forerunner of this largest city in Indonesia.

In 1635 the city of Batavia expanded into the western part of the Ciliwung river. With Dutch-style architecture complemented by Batavia Castle Fortress, canals and city walls, Batavia was even more impressive at that time.

The 16th century, right in 1619, became a target of the VOC under the leadership of Jan Pieterszoon Coen. Some time later precisely in 1620 Jayakarta officially changed its name to Batavia. The name was given in honor of the ancestors of the Dutch nation named Batavieren. The city of Batavia was centered east of the Cilwung River which is now known as the Fatahillah Square. Batavia has a local population that still exists today, namely the Betawi people, who were once called Batavianen. Betawi came from various ethnic groups, especially the creole who inhabited the Batavia settlement at that time.

Initially the purpose of the arrival of the merchants was to exchange spices, but it turned out to be a transfer of power when bad relations occurred between the Netherlands and Jayawikarta.

The victory of Demak, which later changed its name to Jayakarta, then entered a new domain, which was to become part of the Sultanate of Banten. Under the authority of the Banten Sultanate, Jayakarta became a destination city for merchants from the Netherlands, especially those under the leadership of Cournelis de Houtman.

At first this location was known as the Sunda pier with its very strategic and prosperous location. Moreover, at this pier is a very appropriate place for the sale of Sundanese typical spices whose people work as spices farmers. In the 14th century this port was considered an important port for several kingdoms in the archipelago. It was even heard that the Portuguese wanted to control this area, until it was heard by the Kingdom of Demak who sent Fatahillah to prevent Portuguese rule at that time.

In 1650, the city of Batavia was made the center of government by the VOC and experienced further expansion to the south after the appearance of a tropical plague due to poor sanitation.

In 1870 the expansion forced some of its citizens out of the small town and moved to the Weltevreden area which is now known as the Merdeka Square. In this year also Batavia became the central region of the Dutch East Indies government.

In 1942 under the leadership of Japan,
Batavia changed its name to Jakarta until today and is used as the capital of Indonesia.

The Old City of Jakarta was officially used as a heritage site in a decree issued by the Governor of Jakarta at that time Ali Sadikin. With this decision, the buildings and architecture of the Jakarta Old Town must be maintained.

At present the Old City of Jakarta is better known as an ancient building as an icon of the national capital of Indonesia. Various activities are carried out in this area during the anniversary of the city of Jakarta or other historic events to commemorate past struggles. Usually what is often displayed are several exhibition events, art performances which are indeed supported by the architecture of the building which has its own artistic value. Various performances that are often held at this location include the following.
Jakarta History Exhibition

Betawi Culture Exhibition

Painting exhibition of local Betawi artists

Betawi Lenong Art Performance

Great Delight to Remember the History of the Old City

These events are usually held every two years by presenting capital artists. It even did not rule out some ambassadors were also present as a form of cultural tolerance. Currently the Jakarta Old City is a cultural heritage building under the responsibility of the Jakarta City Government, so that all matters relating to maintenance, renovation or restoration are also under the auspices of the Jakarta City Government

Jakarta deserves to have a building that has become an icon of the city because of its greatness as the capital of a developing country. In Indonesia, similar icons are also shared by several other big cities such as Jogja with its Palace, Semarang with Lawang Sewunya, Surabaya with its Heroes Monument, and many others. Therefore, being proud to be a part of the cultural heritage of the past is an attitude as a wise citizen. By preserving and preserving existing culture means also helping build civilizations that have high moral values. This should be of concern to the young generation today and must start early. Thus the historical article about the old city of Jakarta, may be useful and can add insight for you!