“Sawah Besar” means big paddy field. Here in Sawah Baru, imagine those vast fields before the city’s sprawl. Sawah Baru is a populated place in Jakarta. It once was part of a large rice-growing area. Today, that history is hard to picture amidst the urban landscape.
Sawah Baru is near Jakarta. It is about 13 kilometers away from Jakarta. That is just over 8 miles.
Once upon a time, Sawah Besar was on the edge of the city. Before the 1860s, a large paddy field sat here. It measured about 450 square metres. That’s almost 5000 square feet. This field was one of the last in central Batavia.
Over time, the rice fields of Sawah Baru slowly disappeared. They were replaced by buildings and streets. By the late 19th century, the area transformed into Kampung Sawah Besar.
The name Sawah Besar remains. It serves as a reminder of the area’s past. It was once an agricultural area. Sawah Besar street was also significant. It formed part of Batavia’s southern defensive line.
Later, a railway station was built. It was named Sawah Besaar Station. The station kept its historical name. The street became Jalan Sukarjo Wiryopranoto. Despite this change, Sawah Besar’s name lived on. After Indonesia’s independence, Sawah Besar became a district.
In the 17th century, this area was marshland. The Ciliwung River flowed nearby. The Dutch drained the marshes. They created canals to channel the water. This turned unproductive land into farmland. Mills and plantations emerged. Paddy fields became common.
The Ciliwung River was diverted. A section of it dried out. The old riverbed is now Jalan Kartini XIII Dalam.
A Chinese cemetery was established. It became the largest in Batavia. Religious activities centered around a temple. Today, Vihara Buddhayana still stands.
Urbanization encroached on the cemetery. By the 1930s, the remaining land was used for city projects. Today, kelurahan Karang Anyar and part of Kartini are built on this former cemetery.
Weltevreden estate was established in 1787. It later became the new administrative center of Batavia. The Waterlooplein was its center. Colonial landmarks surrounded it.
Weltevreden was called “uptown.” It distinguished it from the old town. Today, this area is still valuable. Colonial buildings and modern landmarks coexist.
Sawah Baru has transformed over centuries. From paddy fields to urban streets, it carries its history within its name. Its story reflects Jakarta’s growth and change. Imagine the landscape evolving. From tranquil rice fields to a vibrant district. Sawah Baru stands as a testament to Jakarta’s dynamic past.