“Why Cakung?” I hear you ask. The name itself has a story. Once upon a time, this area was named after a small river called Kali Cakung. But there is another version. Cakung may also be named after a tree frog found here.
Cakung is a district in East Jakarta. It is an area with a rich history and a vibrant present. Today, Cakung is known as an industrial area. But it was once a very productive agricultural area. The area had many rivers. These rivers made the land fertile.
Imagine Cakung as a boundary. During the fight for independence, Cakung was the dividing line. The allied forces controlled the west. Indonesian forces controlled the east. Cakung became a central point in the fight for freedom.
Look closely. Can you see remnants of the past? There is an old fort in Rawa Teratai. It is in Kampung Petukangan near a former ammunition depot. This fort was once a vital defense point. It marked a boundary between opposing forces. It was a stronghold for the Dutch and allied forces. They defended Batavia from eastern attacks.
Today, Cakung is more than just history. It is home to the Pulo Gadung industrial complex. This is a major economic hub. The Jakarta Outer Ring Road passes through here. This makes Cakung a key area for trade and industry.
Cakung is also home to the East Jakarta city hall. The Pulo Gebang Bus Terminal is here. It is the largest bus terminal in Southeast Asia. In 2016, all buses to Central and East Java started departing from here.
But there’s more than just industry and transport. J-Sky Ferris Wheel is located in AEON Mall JGC. It is the tallest Ferris wheel in Indonesia. You can enjoy city views from high above. For a romantic experience, book a dinner with your loved one.
Consider the Cakung Drain. This flood canal starts at the meeting point of the Cakung and Buaran rivers. It flows north to Jakarta Bay. It protects the area from floods.
Cakung is a blend of old and new. It is a place where history meets progress. It is an area of industry and agriculture. From battlegrounds to bus terminals. From tree frogs to towering Ferris wheels. Cakung is constantly evolving. It connects Jakarta’s past with its future.