Here in Jatinegara Kaum we stand. This place holds secrets of Jakarta’s past. Jatinegara Kaum is a village within Pulo Gadung. It is located in East Jakarta. At first glance, it looks like any other village in Jakarta. But Jatinegara Kaum has a unique identity.
The people here call themselves “Orang Asli Jakarta”. They are the original people of Jakarta. But they do not identify as Betawi. The Betawi are another well-known ethnic group native to Jakarta. The people of Jatinegara Kaum have their own distinct culture. One major difference is their language. They speak Sundanese. This differs from the Betawi language. The ancestors of Jatinegara Kaum came from Banten and Cirebon.
Let’s journey back in time. Jatinegara Kaum was once home to Banten Sultanate officials. Pangeran Jayakarta also known as Ahmad Jakerta resided here. He was the Sultanate’s representative. He controlled the port city of Jayakarta. In 1619 the Dutch attacked Jayakarta. The city was devastated. Ahmad Jakerta did not return to Banten. Instead he moved east. He established the Jatinegara government in 1619. From here he resisted the Dutch.
Ahmad Jakerta’s descendants remained in Jatinegara Kaum. They formed a distinct community. Because they came from Banten and Cirebon. The people of Jatinegara Kaum speak Sundanese. They also have unique names. Names like Tubagus Ateng and Raden are common. These names have Banten origins.
Today we can still see historical traces in Jatinegara Kaum. The tomb of Ahmad Jakerta and his family is here. It is located next to the Assalafiyah Mosque on Jatinegara Kaum Street.
In 1619 Prince Ahmed Jakatra arrived. He opened the forest. He drained the swamps. He built houses and a mosque. He named the area Jatinegara meaning “True State”. For over a century Jatinegara was exclusive. Only descendants of Banten soldiers lived here. They were the family of Prince Ahmed Jakatra. Jatinegara was closed to outsiders.
Alwi Shahab a Jakarta historian wrote about this. He said the first settlement was between the Cipinang prison and Pulo Gadung. The mosque was built near Prince Ahmed Jakarta’s home. Today it is known as the Ash-Salafiyah Mosque. Prince Ahmed Jakarta and his followers swore an oath here. They vowed to reclaim Jayakarta. This spirit was passed down through generations.
VOC records from 1647 to 1658 show the followers of Prince Ahmed Jakarta were a threat to Batavia. On July 11 1656 the VOC built forts around the city. This was due to the constant threat from Banten. Interestingly the VOC never disturbed the Jatinegara Kaum enclave. They did not expel them.
The people of Jatinegara Kaum maintain Banten traditions. Women are not allowed to marry outsiders. This is to preserve their lineage. If they marry an outsider their descendants cannot use the title “Raden”. The community follows Prince Ahmed Jakarta’s advice. One tradition is not to beat the gong. In 1978 the gong’s rope snapped. This happened during the inauguration of a water company office. The people believed Prince Ahmed Jakarta caused it. This reinforced their tradition of not having wayang golek and gambang Kromong performances.
Ahmed Jayakarta’s tomb is in Jatinegara Kaum. People from around the area still visit it. The Ash-Salafiyah Mosque is always busy. Jatinegara Kaum is not just a village. It is a symbol of resistance against colonialism.
Jatinegara Kaum remains a unique place. It is a reminder of Jakarta’s diverse history. It embodies the spirit of resistance and cultural preservation.