Before Kebayoran Lama existed there were stockpiles of bayur wood. Bayur wood is strong and termite-resistant. This area was known as kabayuran a Betawi word. Kebayoran Lama means old bayur wood storage place.
This district in South Jakarta has a rich history. It was once the westernmost area of Jakarta Selatan. In the 1990s it was divided. Pesanggrahan became the new westernmost district.
Before Indonesian independence Kebayoran was a district led by a wedana. It was part of the Meester Cornelis Regency. This regency included Ciputat.
Around 1938 the Dutch planned an international airport here. World War II stopped those plans. After independence the area developed. Kebayoran Baru became a new district. The remaining area became Kebayoran Lama.
In 1990 another division occurred. Part of Kebayoran Lama became Pesanggrahan. Kebayoran Lama stretches from Rawa Belong to Pasar Jumat. It also includes Ciputat and Lebak Bulus.
Many malls exist here. These range from ITC Permata Hijau to Pondok Indah Mall. The area along Raya Kebayoran Lama is quite green. Permata Hijau has many high-end residences. Pondok Indah also features upscale housing.
Parts of Kebayoran Lama were originally in Tangerang Regency. On December 28 1974 a government regulation changed the boundaries. Several villages in Tangerang became part of Jakarta including parts of Ciledug and Ciputat. These villages included Kreo Patukangan Ulujami and Pondok Betung.
On August 28 1978 Kebayoran Lama officially became part of South Jakarta. Another government regulation in 1990 created Pesanggrahan. This new district took some villages from Kebayoran Lama.
Today Kebayoran Lama offers a mix of modern development and green spaces. It is a place of both old and new. It reflects Jakarta’s transformation over time. A testament to its rich past and vibrant present.