Kota Tua – A Silent History of Batavia
Jakarta, a busy metropolitan city. The traffic, the night life, the pollution, the mixed ethnicity. When i was living outside Indonesia (not far though, Singapore), I often get questions about things that recommended to see in Jakarta. And often, i answered the question with question. What do you like to see? Jakarta has a lot to offer however fresh air, blue sky and landscape would be almost impossible to find.
There is one area that you might willing to check out when you are in Jakarta. Especially for those who love to see old historical buildings. The area called KOTA TUA or Old City. The area stretch out around 1,3 sq km of both North and West of Jakarta. There are several buildings which are from the old city of BATAVIA, the name that was given in 1619 by VOC, Dutch East India Company. The city was originally called Jayakarta which was then destroyed and expanded by VOC. Batavia was later on changed to JAKARTA during Japanese occupation in 1942.
Most of the buildings are not well maintained. Too bad. The fact that the area can be a nice touristic spot,a nice commercial-historical area. Not really sure why as I am very confident with a lot of business brains in Indonesia, I wont be the only person who has several ideas crossing our minds when seeing it. It can simply be restructured without losing its original design, turn into commercial area with a regulation not to change the architecture like buildings in Boat Q Singapore, there is an alley between building that has European look which can be designed as outdoor coffee shop or restaurant. Or again, if afraid it would be too commercial then just simply maintain the original design and turn it into museum with some historical artifact. It is a question to the government.
This area is busy during weekends. Some buildings are often became a spot for photo-shooting (i.e. pre-wed shots, commercial shots), music video setting, etc. Local people surrounding the area or outside (like me) would come to have breakfast from the local jajanan pasar (foodcarts), kids would running around at the center of the area, group of tourists with their guides may be seen once in a while. And if you are lucky, a performance from some local community. Surrounding the area, you may find some museums and Stasiun Kota (Train station “Kota”), and further a bit, old harbour called Sunda Kelapa where wooden ships anchored.
Sources : wikipedia.org
Photos from private collection (Sunda Kelapa’s photos by Ricco Surya)
Last Monday, 17 Aug 09, was the my first independence celebration which was very memorable to me. My friends and I were on vacation to Sebesi Island, where we went hopping islands to Sebuku Kecil, Umang-umang, Rakata (anak Krakatoa aka Krakatoa’s child), and Panjang. The celebration was planned as we brought an “upsized” flag and our own red/white costumes, each with their style. Although some friends just met each other there, the atmosphere was very friendly. It was not awkward at all considering I was a “junior” in the group.
Is the Monday mandatory National ceremony a waste? I guess it was not. We wouldn’t be doing it if we never experienced it. Does it take a full responsibility of our nationalism? Probably not entirely. Considering some people still has doubt in our governance, still has doubt on the young professionals, still has doubt that the terrorist wouldn’t attack anymore and many other doubts are still hanging in my beloved country. Nationalism has different meaning to each person, some express it through songs and poetry, some debate in national television, some formed #indonesiaunite, as for me, I’m planning to see more of Indonesia and I am planning to share it …
