“A city within a city.” That’s how many describe Kelapa Gading. It is an integrated residential-commercial area in North Jakarta. Today, we will explore the captivating story of Kelapa Gading.
Before 1976, this area was mostly marshland. It was sparsely populated. Then, a local real estate company, PT Summarecon Agung, transformed the land. They developed Kelapa Gading into a productive, well-planned urban area.
The planning featured a grid-like street layout. Main boulevards were established. Supporting facilities like schools and hospitals were included. This careful planning has made Kelapa Gading a sought-after area.
Kelapa Gading is the southernmost district of North Jakarta. It covers a large area, about 1,633.7 hectares. The district is bordered by several roads and canals. These include Bekasi Raya Road and Sunter Canal.
The district is divided into three administrative villages. These are Kelapa Gading Barat, Kelapa Gading Timur, and Pegangsaan Dua. Each has its own area code.
Kelapa Gading is known for its residential appeal. It generally targets the middle to upper market. Luxury residences contribute to the high property values here. About 65% of Kelapa Gading residents are Chinese Indonesians. Since the late 1990s, many vertical residences have been built.
Food lovers adore Kelapa Gading. It offers a wide variety of Indonesian cuisine. You can find Chinese, Minang, and Javanese food here. There are also many non-Indonesian options. These include Thai, Japanese, and Western foods. Gading Food City is a central culinary point. The Jakarta Fashion & Food Festival is held here annually.
Kelapa Gading boasts several shopping malls. Some well-known malls include Mal Kelapa Gading and Mal Artha Gading. There are also Kelapa Gading Trade Center, Bella Terra, and Mall of Indonesia.
Kelapa Gading is popular for its nightlife. Several bars and entertainment places stay open late. It is also known as the world’s capital of Bakmi. You can find many types of Bakmi noodles here.
Despite its development, Kelapa Gading faces flooding problems. Its low plain geography contributes to this issue. The 2007 Jakarta flood severely affected the area. Flood control infrastructures include small reservoirs.
The East Flood Channel began operating in 2010. It diverts water away from Kelapa Gading. This channel is hoped to make the area flood-free. Many homes in Kelapa Gading are built elevated due to the risk of flooding.
Kelapa Gading is home to several educational institutions. North Jakarta Intercultural School and SIS Kelapa Gading are located here. Raffles Christian School Kelapa Gading and Sekolah Menengah Atas Kristen 5 BPK Penabur are also present. Mahatma Gading School provides national and Cambridge curriculums.
Kelapa Gading has good road access to all areas of Jakarta. There is a network of inner-city toll roads. The Kelapa Gading – Pulo Gebang Toll passes through this area. The area is served by the TransJakarta bus network. The Jakarta LRT also passes through Kelapa Gading.
Kelapa Gading offers a unique blend of residential comfort, commercial vibrancy, and culinary delights. Its history, from marshland to modern district, is a testament to Jakarta’s dynamic growth. Remember this story as you explore the area. Enjoy your time in this “city within a city.”