Once a village dominated by rice fields, Cengkareng stands before you. What stories do its streets whisper?
Cengkareng is a district in West Jakarta. It holds a significant place in Jakarta’s story. The Duri-Tangerang and Tangerang-Jakarta railways pass through it connecting lives and commerce.
The name “Cengkareng” has an interesting origin. Some say it comes from Sundanese. “Ci” means creek. “Kareng” means hornbill a bird with a horned beak. Others believe Cengkareng comes from the Dutch word “Tjankaar” which means chuckle.
David Johan Smith a VOC official became the owner of Cengkareng land in the 18th century. He commissioned a rest house in Indis style. It was called Landhuis Tjengkareng. Sadly the revolution destroyed it in 1945.
Later a Dutch company controlled the land. They leased it to Tan Oen Tjong. The area was perfect for rice coconuts and livestock grass. In the late 19th century people here still spoke Sundanese. This set it apart from other villages in Batavia.
Cengkareng has transformed dramatically. It is now a sub-district with six urban villages. These are Duri Kosambi Rawa Buaya Kedaung Kali Angke Kapuk and West-East Cengkareng.
A major change arrived with Cengkareng Airport. It replaced Kemayoran Airport. The airport was later named Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. In 1984 a presidential instruction moved the airport from Kemayoran to Cengkareng.
Initially passengers checked in at Kemayoran. Then buses transported them to Cengkareng to board planes. Cengkareng Airport became fully operational on April 1 1985. It officially became Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 5 1985.
The airport’s presence overshadowed Landhuis Tjengkareng. The building was lost. Yet people still remember it as a cultural heritage loss.
Today Cengkareng faces modern challenges. Traffic jams pollution and floods affect its residents. Floods often inundate areas forcing motorists onto toll roads. Yet Cengkareng remains special. Its residents face annual floods and traffic with enthusiasm. It serves as a gateway to Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
The Mookervaart Canal flows nearby. Constructed from 1678 to 1689 it links the Cisadane River and Kali Angke. This 25-30 metre wide channel helps control floods in Jakarta.
Cengkareng has a large population density. About 591748 people live in an area of 26.56 square kilometers. This creates a density of approximately 22000 people per square kilometer.
Cengkareng stands as a testament to Jakarta’s ever-evolving story. From rice fields to a bustling district Cengkareng reflects Jakarta’s resilience. It connects the past with the present and the local with the global.