“Jembatan Kota Intan, more than just a bridge.” That’s what locals whisper. Today we explore this hanging bridge. The Jembatan Kota Intan is the oldest bridge in Indonesia. It stands in Jakarta’s Kota Tua.
Built in 1628 by the Dutch East India Company it was an engineering marvel. It sits gracefully over Kali Besar. The Jakarta Provincial Tourism manages it now.
The Jembatan Kota Intan is also known as Jembatan Gantung or hanging bridge. This bridge used to be a bascule bridge. Its double leaves swung up. This allowed marine traffic to pass during colonial times. Imagine ships sailing beneath its raised arms.
The name Jembatan Kota Intan has changed over the years. Initially it was the Engelse Brug or English Bridge. British troops had a stronghold nearby during its construction.
Between 1628 and 1629, Banten and Mataram troops damaged the bridge. Rebuilt in 1630, it was renamed Chicken Market Bridge or Hoenderpasarbrug. A chicken market thrived across the bridge. It served the residents of Batavia.
In 1655, floods destroyed the old wooden bridge. It was repaired and called De Middelpunt Brug or The Central Bridge. Its shape and style remained unchanged.
During Queen Juliana’s reign, it became the Queen Juliana Bridge. She oversaw its repair. This shows how important it was to maintain.
After Indonesian independence, it was renamed Jembatan Kota Intan. This name reflected its location. It stood at the Diamond bastion of Batavia Castle. Before the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, the bridge was revitalized.
Now look closely at the Jembatan Kota Intan. Feel the history beneath your feet. Imagine the countless journeys across this span. It has witnessed centuries of change and Jakarta’s evolution. The Jembatan Kota Intan is a testament to Jakarta’s resilience. The Jembatan Kota Intan is not just a structure. The Jembatan Kota Intan is a symbol of connection. It unites the past and present. It carries the stories of those who came before. As we stand here, we become part of its ongoing narrative.