“Kembang-an,” they called it. That’s how Kembangan got its name.
Kembangan is a district in West Jakarta. It is a place with a fascinating history. Let’s explore the story behind this area.
Two stories explain the origin of Kembangan’s name. The first connects to the area’s natural beauty. Long ago, Kembangan was a blooming garden. Flowers like roses and orchids grew in abundance. The Betawi people farmed here. They saw the many flowers. So, they called the area Kembangan. Kembang-an means “a place with flowers.”
The second story links Kembangan to Betawi martial arts. This martial art is Pencak Silat. One style is called Kembangan Pencak. It involves specific movements before a match. It can also be a performance. Kembangan Pencak includes punches and steps. It shows the culture and ethics of the region. In Jakarta, Pencak Silat grew popular. People honored it by naming the area Kembangan. This art form features rebana music.
Kembangan has changed over time. It was once a village. Now, it is a subdistrict in West Jakarta. Many housing complexes have been built. Sadly, some plantations and big trees disappeared.
In the past, Kembangan was part of the Kebon Jeruk district. In 1990, it became its own district. The government made this change with a regulation. Other new districts were formed in Jakarta at the same time. The administrative center is in Kembangan.
Kembangan is divided into six areas. These are Kembangan Utara and Kembangan Selatan. Also, Meruya Utara and Meruya Selatan are included. Srengseng and Joglo are also part of Kembangan.
Today, Kembangan is a lively part of West Jakarta. It is home to the West Jakarta City Hall. You can also find the Pondok Indah Hospital Puri Indah here. The Srengseng City Forest offers a green space. Several schools are in Kembangan. These include Notre Dame School and Ipeka Puri School. Mercu Buana University is also located here.
Kembangan provides access to toll roads. The Jakarta–Tangerang Toll Road and the Jakarta Outer Ring Road are nearby. Public transportation is available. Transjakarta buses serve the area. Future MRT and LRT lines are planned.
Kembangan’s story is one of nature and culture. It shows how a place can change yet keep its identity. From flower gardens to martial arts, Kembangan has a rich heritage. As we leave, remember the stories of the past. They shaped the Kembangan we see today.