Haven’t you ever wondered how a simple river could give its name to an entire neighborhood? That’s the story of Sunter Jaya. This area in North Jakarta owes its identity to the Sunter River. The river originates far away in Jonggol, Bogor. It eventually flows into the Sunter area.
Sunter Jaya is more than just a name. It’s a vibrant kelurahan, or village. It sits within the Tanjung Priok subdistrict of North Jakarta. Its zip code is 14350. Sunter Jaya spans about 4.58 square kilometers. In 2020, its population was around 78,028. That’s a density of 17,037 people per square kilometer.
Imagine Sunter Jaya as a canvas. To the north, it borders Sunter Agung and Tanjung Priok. To the west lies Kebon Kosong, Kemayoran. To the east, you’ll find Kelapa Gading Barat and Kelapa Gading. Serdang and Sumur Batu, Kemayoran, mark its southern boundary.
But here’s a secret from Sunter’s past. The name “Sunter” comes from the river’s strong current. “Santer” or “banter” means swift or strong in the local language. This describes the river’s flow. Back in 1915, the Dutch used Sunter as a shooting range. Colonial soldiers practiced here daily. Wild buffalo roamed the fields.
Fast forward to the late 1960s. President Soeharto wanted national development. Sunter, along with Kelapa Gading and Cilincing, was meant for agriculture. In the early 1970s, Sunter was full of fields. Locals grew water spinach and cassava.
Now, let’s talk about Lake Sunter. It was built in the 1970s to prevent floods. This reservoir covers about 33 hectares. It is divided into Lake Sunter 1 and Lake Sunter 2. Lake Sunter 1 is mainly for water storage. It has a small island in the middle. Lake Sunter 2 is a recreational area. People enjoy water sports, fishing, and sightseeing here.
Sunter Jaya is diverse. People from various ethnic groups and religions live here. Javanese, Betawi, Batak, Chinese, and Sundanese are the main groups. Islam is the most common religion. Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism also have followers.
Today, Sunter Jaya is a hub of activity. Luxury homes, offices, and car showrooms dot the landscape. You can find Amerindo Batting Cages for baseball and softball. Warung RC offers a race track for radio-controlled cars. Gas-powered boats race on Sunter Lake. Sports and exercise areas are available at Gelora Sunter.
So, as you explore Sunter Jaya, remember its journey. From a river with a strong current to a modern neighborhood. From agricultural fields to a bustling urban area. Sunter Jaya has transformed over time. It has become a vital part of Jakarta’s story.