“JASMERAH” Don’t ever leave history behind. This was Soekarno’s motto. Today we explore Karang Tengah in Jakarta. Karang Tengah is more than just a district. It is a story etched in time.
Karang Tengah, or Central Karang, sits in Tangerang City. It’s part of Banten Province on Java Island. But do not confuse it with other Karang Tengahs. You’ll find them in Garut, Cianjur, Wonogiri, and Demak. This Karang Tengah spans 10.47 square kilometers. In 2023, it had about 117,440 residents.
Karang Tengah is on the cusp of big changes. The MRT Jakarta Phase 3 will soon connect Cikarang to Balaraja. This project starts in August 2024. It promises better connections and economic growth.
Karang Tengah divides into seven urban communities. These include Karang Tengah town, Karang Mulya, and Pondok Bahar. Pondok Pucung, Karang Timur, and Pedurenan are also included. Finally, there is Parung Jaya.
The Jakarta–Merak Toll Road crosses Karang Tengah. It links Jakarta to Merak Port. The Karang Tengah Barat toll gate sits at kilometer 11.
Let’s rewind to the origins of Karang Tengah. It borders Banten and West Java. This made it a key entry point to Jakarta. Karang Tengah splits into two areas. These are Karang Tengah Kulon (West) and Karang Tengah Bletan (East).
Where did the name Karang Tengah come from? One story says it meant “Pekarangan di Tengah Kampung.” This translates to a yard in the middle of the village. During Dutch times, it was full of coconut, orange, and kapok gardens. People farmed here. Ditches watered the fields. Karang Tengah was a green, beautiful yard. So people called it Karang Tengah.
Another story speaks of “Karang,” meaning coral. This coral rock was in the village center. Some say it was on Jalan Taman Sari II. Others say it was near the Pesanggrahan River. This coral mound made the village unique.
In 1957, Karang Tengah became RW 03. H. Abdul Rahim bin Risan became the first leader. He led from 1957 to 1971. Later, H. Mardjuki MS took over until 1998. During his time, Karang Tengah grew. The population boomed.
The 1990s saw many people move to Jakarta. They sought jobs and education. Karang Tengah became crowded. Immigrants needed homes. Locals started renting out properties. Farming gave way to rentals. RW 03 needed to expand.
In March 1996, RW expansion began. H. Mardjuki MS led this effort. The growing population made it hard to manage with only one RW. So RW 03 split. Addy Tumpang, then head of RT 010, became head of RW 08.
Addy Tumpang led for 21 years. His leadership brought many achievements.
Karang Tengah’s story is one of growth and change. It embraces its history. It looks forward to the future. As the MRT Jakarta Phase 3 approaches, Karang Tengah prepares for a new chapter. It will continue to be a vital part of Jakarta.