Jakarta history

The history of Jakarta, one of the largest megacities in Southeast Asia, spans many centuries and is closely interwoven with maritime trade and the colonial ambitions of European powers. The city has changed its name many times, reflecting the shifting eras and rulers.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The first settlements on the site of modern Jakarta appeared long before the arrival of Europeans. As early as the 4th century, a port existed here, which by the 13th century became known as Sunda Kelapa. It was a vital trading post for the Sunda Kingdom, from which spices, particularly black pepper, were exported. The official founding date of the city is considered to be 22 June 1527. On this day, troops of the Demak Sultanate under the command of Fatahillah captured Sunda Kelapa, defeating the Portuguese, and renamed the settlement Jayakarta, which means "City of Victory".

Key Factors of Formation

The growth and development of the city were determined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the northwest coast of the island of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River, made it a strategically important port for controlling maritime routes in the region.
• Trade: From the earliest times, the city was a hub for the spice trade, attracting merchants from various countries. In the 17th century, after being seized by the Dutch, it became the main centre of the Dutch East India Company.
• Political Power: In 1619, the Dutch destroyed Jayakarta and established a fort on its site, naming it Batavia. Soon, Batavia became the capital of all Dutch possessions in the region — the Dutch East Indies — which cemented its administrative and political status for centuries.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Under Dutch influence, Batavia acquired the features of a European city with canals, squares, and colonial architecture, parts of which have been preserved in the Old Town district (Kota Tua). The economy was entirely focused around the port and the activities of the East India Company, which controlled the export of coffee, sugar, and, of course, spices. The city became a "melting pot" of cultures: Javanese, Sundanese, Chinese merchants, Europeans, and descendants of slaves from various parts of Asia lived here, laying the foundation for the formation of the unique Betawi culture, the indigenous people of modern Jakarta.

Key Dates in the History of Jakarta

The history of Jakarta is a kaleidoscope of cultures, eras, and names. The city, which is today one of the world's largest metropolises, has come a long way from a small port settlement to the capital of an independent state. Below is a chronology of the most important events that shaped its modern appearance.

• 4th Century AD — First mentions of a settlement on the site of modern Jakarta, which served as the capital of the Tarumanagara Kingdom.
• Until the 16th Century — The city is known as Sunda Kelapa and serves as a significant trading port for the Hindu Sunda Kingdom, specialising in the spice trade.
• 22 June 1527 — Troops of the Demak Sultanate led by Fatahillah capture the port and rename it Jayakarta, meaning "City of Victory"; this date is officially considered the city's founding day.
• 1619 — The Dutch East India Company, led by Jan Pieterszoon Coen, destroys Jayakarta and establishes a fortress, and subsequently the city of Batavia, on its ruins.
• 1621 — Batavia becomes the administrative centre and main headquarters of the Dutch colonial possessions in the East Indies.
• 1710 — Construction of the Batavia City Hall is completed; today, this building houses the Jakarta History Museum.
• 1740 — The so-called "Chinese Massacre" occurs, a tragic event during which several thousand ethnic Chinese were killed by Dutch colonists.
• 1942 — During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the city is returned to its historical name — Jakarta.
• 17 August 1945 — The independence of Indonesia is proclaimed in Jakarta, marking the beginning of a new era in the country's history.
• 1949 — After the end of the war for independence, Jakarta is officially confirmed as the capital of the Republic of Indonesia.
• 1975 — Construction of the National Monument (Monas), a symbol of the Indonesian people's struggle for independence, is completed.
• 1998 — Mass riots occur in the city, leading to significant political changes and the resignation of President Suharto.
• 2007 — Jakarta holds the first direct gubernatorial elections in its history as part of the state programme for the decentralisation of power.

Stages of Jakarta's Development: From Colonial Port to Megacity

The development of Jakarta is a story of massive transformations reflecting economic and political shifts in the region. Key milestones have shaped its modern appearance as one of the largest and most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia.

• Founding of Batavia (1619): The Dutch East India Company destroyed Jayakarta and built Batavia in its place — a well-planned fortress city with canals. This turned the city into the main administrative and commercial hub of the Dutch colonies in Asia, laying the groundwork for its future economic dominance.
• Shift of the Centre to the South (18th–19th Centuries): Due to unhealthy conditions in the old town ("Kota Tua"), the colonial administration moved to the more spacious southern district of Weltevreden (now Central Jakarta). This led to the creation of a new urban core with boulevards, squares, and monumental buildings that defined the layout of the modern centre.
• Capital of Independent Indonesia (1945–1949): After the proclamation of independence, Jakarta became the capital of the new state. This status triggered rapid population growth and initiated large-scale construction aimed at shaping national identity.
• Projects of the Sukarno Era (1950–1960s): Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, initiated the construction of iconic landmarks to assert Jakarta's prestige on the world stage. The National Monument (Monas), the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex, and the "Selamat Datang" monument were erected, becoming symbols of the new nation that still define the city's skyline.
• "New Order" Economic Boom (1970–1990s): During Suharto's rule, Jakarta became the centre of the country's economic growth. The central business district (the "Golden Triangle") developed actively, with the construction of the first skyscrapers, modern highways, and new residential neighbourhoods, turning the city into the financial heart of Indonesia.
• Development of Modern Infrastructure (2000s – Present): In the 21st century, city authorities focused on addressing the challenges of the megacity. Key projects were launched, such as the TransJakarta bus rapid transit system (2004) and the first MRT line in 2019. These steps are aimed at modernising the transport system and improving the quality of life for citizens.
• Decision to Move the Capital (2019): The Indonesian government announced plans to move the capital to the new city of Nusantara on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan). This decision opens a new chapter in Jakarta's history, allowing it to focus on solving internal urban and environmental issues while retaining its status as the country's main economic and cultural hub.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Jakarta is a chaotic yet fascinating reflection of its history, where Dutch colonial structures stand alongside traditional neighbourhoods (kampungs) and futuristic skyscrapers. The city's urban development progressed from a fortified port in the north to spacious administrative districts in the centre, and finally to high-rise business clusters in the south.

Colonial Era: Old Batavia and Weltevreden

The earliest surviving buildings date back to the Dutch period. Initially, the city was built on the model of Amsterdam with a canal system and dense development, but the tropical climate forced adjustments.

• Dutch Colonialism (17th–18th Centuries): This style dominates the Kota Tua (Old Town) district. Buildings here feature tall windows, red tiled roofs, and austere facades. A prime example is the Jakarta History Museum building (formerly the City Hall), reminiscent of the palace on Dam Square in Amsterdam.
• Indies Empire Style (19th Century): When the city centre shifted south to the Weltevreden area (now around Merdeka Square), the architecture became more spacious and adapted to the climate. Buildings with deep verandas and columns in the Neoclassical style appeared. Examples: The National Museum ("Elephant Building") and the Merdeka Palace (presidential residence).
• Art Deco and "New Indies Style" (Early 20th Century): In the pre-war years, buildings combining European modernism with local elements appeared in the city. This is evident in the architecture of the Bank Mandiri Museum and the Jakarta Kota railway station.

Architecture of Independence: Monumentalism and Brutalism

After gaining independence, the first President of Indonesia, Sukarno, sought to erase the colonial past and create a new image for the capital, using monumental forms and the International Style.

• National Style (1950–1960s): This era is characterised by large-scale projects designed to show the greatness of the nation. The main symbol of this period is the National Monument (Monas), a giant obelisk topped with a golden flame.
• Modernism: During this time, the Istiqlal Mosque (the largest in Southeast Asia) was built with its strict geometric forms and giant dome, as well as the Hotel Indonesia — the country's first high-rise hotel, which became a symbol of hospitality.

Modernity: Postmodernism and High-Tech

Since the late 20th century, Jakarta has experienced a construction boom, transforming into a city of glass and concrete. The business centre, known as the "Golden Triangle" (Sudirman, Thamrin, Kuningan districts), is built up with modern high-rises.

• Skyscrapers and Postmodernism: An iconic building is the Wisma 46 tower, resembling a fountain pen, which was the city's tallest building for a long time.
• Modern High-Tech: The newest projects, such as Gama Tower and the SCBD complex, are executed using advanced technologies and environmental standards, forming the futuristic skyline of the metropolis.

Notable Figures in the History of Jakarta

Jakarta, as the centre of political, economic, and cultural life in Indonesia for centuries, has been the birthplace or base of operations for many iconic figures. These individuals have left an indelible mark on the history of the city and the entire country.

• Fatahillah (16th Century) — A commander of the Demak Sultanate who, in 1527, recaptured the port of Sunda Kelapa from the Portuguese and renamed it Jayakarta ("City of Victory"). This event is considered the official founding date of Jakarta, and Fatahillah is regarded as its founder. His name is immortalised in the name of the central square in the Old Town (Kota Tua).
• Jan Pieterszoon Coen (1587–1629) — Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies, who destroyed Jayakarta in 1619 and founded Batavia on its site. He turned the city into the main stronghold and administrative centre of Dutch colonial rule in the region, laying the foundations for its future economic power.
• Sukarno (1901–1970) — The first President of Indonesia and one of the leaders of the national independence movement. It was in Jakarta on 17 August 1945 that he proclaimed the country's independence. During his rule, many iconic structures of the capital were built, including the National Monument (Monas), Istiqlal Mosque, and the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex, which defined the modern look of the city.
• Mohammad Hatta (1902–1980) — The first Vice President and Prime Minister of Indonesia, Sukarno's closest ally. Together with him, he signed the Proclamation of Independence in Jakarta. Hatta played a key role in the formation of the Indonesian state and its diplomatic recognition on the world stage.
• Ismail Marzuki (1914–1958) — A prominent Indonesian composer and national hero, born and raised in Jakarta. He is the author of over 200 songs, many of which, such as "Rayuan Pulau Kelapa", became unofficial anthems of the country and symbols of the struggle for independence. The capital's main cultural centre, Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), is named in his honour.
• Ali Sadikin (1926–2008) — Governor of Jakarta from 1966 to 1977, considered the "Father of Modern Jakarta". During his tenure, he carried out massive reforms, transforming the city from a collection of villages into a modern metropolis: he initiated road construction, restored cultural sites, and laid the foundations for the capital's future development.
• Pramoedya Ananta Toer (1925–2006) — One of Indonesia's greatest writers, whose life and work were closely linked to Jakarta. His works, especially the "Buru Quartet", describe the history of the nation's formation and the struggle against colonialism. Despite persecution, he became the voice of his generation and the conscience of the nation.
• Benyamin Sueb (1939–1995) — A legendary actor, comedian, singer, and cultural figure who became an icon of the Betawi people — the indigenous inhabitants of Jakarta. Through his films and music, he popularised the unique culture, language, and traditions of the Betawi, preserving them for future generations and becoming a true symbol of the city.