“City within a city” is a phrase often used to describe Kelapa Gading Barat. This area in North Jakarta boasts integrated residential and commercial planning. It is a testament to urban development.
Kelapa Gading Barat was once undeveloped marshland. Sparsely populated agricultural land marked the area before 1976. Then, PT Summarecon Agung transformed it. The company established an integrated residential-commercial area. This transformation followed a grid-like urban plan. Main boulevards and supporting facilities were added. Schools and hospitals became part of the landscape.
Kelapa Gading is the southernmost district of North Jakarta. Kelapa Gading Barat covers part of this district. The total land area spans 1633.7 hectares. Kelapa Gading Barat is one of three administrative villages. The others are Kelapa Gading Timur and Pegangsaan Dua. Each village has its unique area code. Kelapa Gading Barat uses the area code 14240.
Residential areas in Kelapa Gading cater to the middle to upper market. You can find exceptions with non-gated residences. Kuta and Artha Gading Villa in Bukit Gading Villa stand out as up-market locations. Their prime location and luxury contribute to the high prices. A significant portion of Kelapa Gading’s residents are Chinese Indonesians. Around 65% identify as such. Vertical residences began appearing in the late 1990s. Kondominium Menara Kelapa Gading was one of the first. Wisma Gading Permai and Gading Mediterranean Residences followed. These apartment buildings reshaped Kelapa Gading’s skyline.
Kelapa Gading is famous for its diverse culinary scene. Indonesian food is abundant here. You can find Chinese, Minang and Javanese cuisines. Non-Indonesian options are also available. Thai, Japanese and Western foods tempt every palate. Gading Food City is a central culinary hub.
Multiple shopping malls dot the district. Mal Kelapa Gading is the first and largest. It opened in 1990. Mal Artha Gading, Kelapa Gading Trade Center, Bella Terra and Mall of Indonesia also offer retail experiences. Kelapa Gading is also known for its nightlife. Bars and entertainment venues stay open late. The area is known as the world’s capital of Bakmi. Here, you can find many Bakmi noodles. Bangka, Makassar and Pontianak noodles are all available.
Despite its development, Kelapa Gading faces flooding challenges. Its low plain characteristics contribute to this. The area sits only 5 meters above sea level. An effective flood diversion network is needed. The 2007 Jakarta flood severely affected the district. It was the worst flooding disaster in Jakarta.
Flood control infrastructures exist in Kelapa Gading Barat. These include small reservoirs and linking water channels. The East Flood Channel began operating in 2010. It diverts water that used to cross Kelapa Gading’s waterways. Hopes are high that this channel will prevent floods. Between 2008 and 2011, no major floods occurred. However, in 2020, multiple floods overwhelmed the area. Because of the ongoing flood risk, many homes are built elevated. Inclined driveways lead up to the ground level of houses.
Several schools are located in Kelapa Gading. North Jakarta Intercultural School is one example. SIS Kelapa Gading offers an IB curriculum. Raffles Christian School Kelapa Gading uses a Cambridge curriculum. SMA Kristen 5 BPK Penabur Kelapa Gading is a prestigious Christian school.
Kelapa Gading offers considerable road access throughout Jakarta. Inner-city toll roads connect to all city areas and Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. The Kelapa Gading Pulo Gebang Toll also runs through the area. TransJakarta bus network serves the area. The Jakarta LRT also passes through Kelapa Gading.
Kelapa Gading Barat reflects Jakarta’s dynamic growth. It blends residential comfort, commercial activity and culinary delights.