Lapangan Batanghari

Beneath Jakarta’s bustling cityscape lies a hidden history, waiting to be unearthed. Lapangan Batanghari, now a stadium, stands as a silent witness to the city’s vibrant past. During the construction of the MRT Jakarta Phase 2A, remnants of Batavia’s colonial era emerged from beneath the surface. Lapangan Batanghari’s proximity to these discoveries connects it to the city’s rich past. Imagine the surprise of workers uncovering wooden foundations from the 18th-century Molenvliet canal, a vital part of Batavia’s intricate canal system. Even more astonishing was the discovery of Batavia’s tram network, dating back to 1934. These steel tracks, with teakwood sleepers remarkably intact, offer a glimpse into the city’s old transportation system. The inscription “B.V.W.S.T. BOCHUM 1931 B. 10” on the tracks reveals their German origin. These tram tracks, carefully preserved and stored, now reside at the DAMRI Pool in Jelambar, West Jakarta. But the discoveries didn’t stop there. An ancient clean water channel, also from the colonial period, was found stretching along Jalan Pintu Besar Selatan. This sophisticated system, with its terracotta pipes, reservoir, and filtration steps, highlights the city’s early struggle with clean water access. This system, predating modern infrastructure, speaks volumes about the ingenuity of Batavia’s inhabitants. Many of these remarkable artifacts, unearthed during the MRT construction near Lapangan Batanghari, are now on display at the MRT Gallery at Jakarta Kota Station. Lapangan Batanghari, in its modern form, stands in close proximity to these historical treasures. It serves as a reminder that beneath the surface of this bustling metropolis lies a captivating story of canals, trams, and ingenious water systems. A visit to Lapangan Batanghari becomes a journey through time, connecting the present with the echoes of Batavia’s colonial past.