Jakarta, the capital city of the Republic of
Indonesia, is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater
Jakarta, covering an area of 637.44 square km. Located on the northern coast of West Java,
it is the center of government, commerce and industry and as such has an extensive
communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. As Indonesia's
main gateway, the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport serves a growing number of
international airlines and domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the
traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the sacral and the worldly, often stand
side by side in this bustling metropolis. Even its population, gathered from all those
diverse ethnic and cultural groups which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed as
an ever- present reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.
The name was retained after Indonesia achieved national independence after the war's
end.
The ethnic Jakartan called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well
in the surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. This language has two variations:
the conventional Betawi Malay and the modern Jakarta Malay. While the first is spoken by
the elder people, born and bred in Jakarta, the second is spoken by the younger generation
and migrants.
Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of outside influences
which came and has remained in this vital seaport city. The Taman Fatahillah Restoration
Project, begun in the early 1970s has restored one of the oldest sections of Jakarta also
known as Old Batavia to approximately its original state.
Its tower clock was once returned to England to be repaired under its lifetime
guarantee, which up to now has already lasted hundreds of years.
One of the most interesting tourist attractions is the "Beautiful
Indonesia in Miniature Park" popularly called "Taman Mini". Built to
portray the variety of cultures found within the many islands contained in the Republic of
Indonesia, this open-air museum comprises the many architectural forms of arts and
traditions of all 27 provinces. It is proof of the country's motto of Unity in Diversity
as well as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses of worship built on the grounds.
Jakarta has preserved its past and is developing for the future. Skyscrapers in the
center of the city are part of a new look.
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Boleh mengomentari dengan santun ya:)