Kota Tua Jakarta, meaning “Old Town Jakarta,” is the historical heart of the Indonesian capital, bearing the legacy of its time as Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies during the 17th to 19th centuries. This area, spanning parts of North and West Jakarta, is a vibrant time capsule filled with remarkably preserved Dutch colonial architecture.
The central gathering point is Fatahillah Square (Taman Fatahillah), a lively plaza where visitors often rent colorful vintage bicycles for a nostalgic tour. Surrounding the square are key historical buildings, many now converted into museums. These include the Jakarta History Museum (the former City Hall of Batavia), the Wayang Museum (Puppet Museum), and the Museum of Fine Art and Ceramics (the former Court of Justice).
Further exploration reveals landmarks like the legendary Café Batavia housed in a 19th-century structure, the Jakarta Kota Railway Station, and the old port area of Sunda Kelapa, where traditional wooden ships still dock. Once the center of the lucrative spice trade, Kota Tua now thrives as a tourist destination that blends colonial grandeur with modern Indonesian creativity, especially on bustling weekends. The local government actively pursues revitalization to maintain this crucial heritage site.
