Glodok: The Old Town of Jakarta

Old Jakarta is only 1.3 square kilometers and sits in both North Jakarta and West Jakarta. Jakarta Old Town (or Old Batavia, as the Dutch referred to it) was called "The Jewel of Asia" and "Queen of the East" in the 16th century by European sailors. It was once a commercial center for the entire continent because of its location and resources.

In 1972, Ali Sadikin, who was then the Governor of Jakarta, officially decreed the Jakarta Kota area as a heritage site. This was an important step in preserving what was left of the area's historical roots.

A number of important historical sites and buildings can be found in Oud Batavia, an important Asian settlement and commercial center since 16th century, including Glodok Luar Batang Mosque; The Port of Sunda Kelapa; Pasar Ikan (fish market); Maritime Museum; Menara Syahbandar (Port Tower); Kota Intan Drawbridge; Kali Besar (Grootegracht); Gereja Sion; Wayang Museum; Fatahillah Square; and Fine Art and Ceramic Museum (Former Court of Justice of Batavia).

Also found in the area are the Jakarta History Museum(Former City Hall of Batavia); Cafe Batavia; Toko Merah (Red Store); Chartered Bank; Bank Indonesia Museum; Bank Mandiri Museum; Jakarta Kota Station (Beos Station); Pinangsia Area (Jakarta Chinatown); Petak Sembilan; Jin De Yuan Temple (Vihara Dharma Bhakti); and Chandranaya Building.

The area is in need of restoration. But with help from various non-profit organizations, private institutions, and the government, rejuvenation continues to evolve.

Looking for more to see in Jakarta? Check out the best things to see and do in Jakarta.