Once known as Sunda Kelapa, Kedaung has seen Jakarta’s many name changes. Jakarta’s history stretches back centuries. It has morphed from a Hindu port to a bustling modern capital.
Kedaung sits within Jakarta. Jakarta is on Java. Java is Indonesia’s most densely populated island. Imagine Kedaung through the ages. It has been ruled by kingdoms and colonial powers. These include the Sunda Kingdom, the Banten Sultanate, and the Dutch.
In 1527, Fatahillah conquered Sunda Kelapa. He renamed it Jayakarta. This was to prevent the Portuguese from gaining power. Later, it became part of the Banten Sultanate. The Dutch arrived. They established a trading post in 1619. They called their new city Batavia. Batavia became the capital of the Dutch East Indies.
Jakarta grew. It became a hub for trade and culture. People of Malay, Arab, Indian, Dutch, and Chinese descent shaped its identity. The city faced challenges. Diseases spread. There were floods. But Jakarta persevered.
In 1942, Japan occupied Jakarta. The city was renamed Jakarta. After the war, Indonesia declared independence in 1945. Jakarta became the capital in 1950. Jakarta’s population boomed. It grew from 600,000 in 1945 to over 10 million today. Slums expanded. Yet, Jakarta built grand monuments and boulevards.
Jakarta is sinking. Some areas sink up to 15 cm a year. This is due to groundwater extraction and climate change. The government is building a new capital. It will be in Kalimantan on Borneo. The new capital is called Nusantara.
Jakarta is a province. It has five administrative cities and one regency. The administrative cities are Central, North, East, South, and West Jakarta. The regency is Kepulauan Seribu. It is also known as the Thousand Islands.
Jakarta’s nickname is the Big Durian. Durian is a stinky fruit from Indonesia. The Ciliwung River divides Jakarta. Thirteen rivers flow through the city.
Jakarta has over 170 shopping centers. Istiqlal Mosque is Southeast Asia’s largest mosque. Jakarta has serious traffic. This contributes to air pollution. Jakarta drives on the left. This is like the UK. Don’t use your left hand for transactions. Tap water is not safe to drink.
Jakarta has a wet and dry season. It is hot there. Ancol Beach is a beach on Jakarta’s north shore.
Today, Kedaung stands as part of Jakarta. Jakarta is a megacity with a long history. It is a blend of cultures. It is a city facing challenges. Yet, Jakarta remains a vital hub in Indonesia.