What if stones could talk? Imagine the tales these walls of Taman Sari in Jakarta would tell. Taman Sari, a district in West Jakarta, holds secrets of a bygone era. It is Jakarta’s smallest district. It covers only 4.37 square kilometers.
Once upon a time, the Dutch built a grand garden here. It was during their colonial rule. They called it Taman Wilhelmina Park. This lush park was full of flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees. Locals gathered there. People exercised and enjoyed art performances. The Ciliwung River flowed nearby. Its waters were clear then.
But Taman Sari has an older history. It includes the southeastern part of Jakarta Old Town. This area lies east of the Kali Besar Canal. In the 17th century, it was the heart of Batavia. Batavia was Jakarta’s old name.
Taman Sari has seen many changes. In 1913, the Municipality of Batavia tried something new. They wanted to provide housing for the growing local population. The core of Taman Sari was near Jalan Mangga Besar and Jalan Taman Sari Raya. The design was rectangular. It was divided into four blocks. The houses were Western-style.
But the project failed. Most locals did not like the Western layout. In 1918, the city council decided to tear it down. It was a learning experience. They learned that people did not always want Dutch designs.
Today, Taman Sari is divided into eight administrative villages. These are called kelurahan. They include Pinangsia and Glodok. Glodok is Jakarta’s oldest Chinatown. Other kelurahan are Keagungan, Krukut, and Taman Sari itself. Maphar, Tangki, and Mangga Besar are also part of the district.
Taman Sari is home to important places. There is the Bank Indonesia Museum. Also, the Bank Mandiri Museum is located here. You can visit Cafe Batavia. The Ceramic Museum is another highlight. History buffs will enjoy the Fatahillah Museum. The Jakarta Kota railway station is also in Taman Sari. You can see the National Archive Building. The Sion Church stands here too. And don’t miss the Wayang Museum. Finally, explore Jakarta’s Chinatown.
So, as you wander through Taman Sari, remember its layers of history. From Dutch gardens to failed housing projects, it is a place of stories. It connects to Jakarta’s past. It shows how the city has changed.