Lost in Jakarta’s bustling streets you stumble upon Tambora. This isn’t just any district. It’s a hidden gem steeped in history. Tambora is located in West Jakarta. It’s bordered by a railway to the north and west. The Kali Krukut-Kali Besar canal forms its eastern boundary. Duri Selatan Road marks its southern edge.
Within Tambora lies a piece of old Jakarta. Roa Malaka village holds the southwestern part of Jakarta’s Old Town. This area west of the Kali Besar Canal is largely residential. You’ll find notable colonial buildings lining the canal. These are mostly former palaces or houses from the 18th century. Today they serve as offices. Imagine the stories these walls could tell.
Tambora’s name however echoes far beyond Jakarta. It shares its name with a volcano on Sumbawa Island in Indonesia. Mount Tambora erupted in 1815. This was the largest volcanic eruption in recorded history. The blast was catastrophic. At least 10000 islanders perished. 35000 more lost their homes. Tsunamis added to the devastation. Before the eruption Mount Tambora was approximately 4300 meters high. Now it’s 2851 meters having lost much of its height. The eruption sent 150 cubic kilometers of ash pumice and rock into the atmosphere. This caused a global temperature drop of up to 3 degrees Celsius. The ensuing ‘year without a summer’ caused widespread famine and death.
Tambora’s eruption is a stark reminder of nature’s power. Yet Tambora in Jakarta thrives. It’s a vibrant district. It’s a blend of old and new. It’s a testament to human resilience. It embodies a fascinating story. A story of both destruction and survival. A story whispered on the wind through Jakarta’s bustling streets. It’s a story waiting to be discovered. Take a moment to reflect. Then continue your journey through this captivating area. Explore Tambora’s hidden corners. Uncover its secrets. Let Tambora’s story become a part of your own.