Jakarta, capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, has a long history as a trading port dating back to the 5th century, the City was then under assault by mob led by a young man named Fatahillah from a given kingdom near Kelapa. In 1527 the Muslim leader Fatahillah appeared before Kalapa with 1,452 soldiers from Cirebon and Demak. According to some historians, this victory of 1527 provided the reason for Fatahillah to rename Sunda Kelapa, Jayakarta, which means "Great Deed" or "Complete Victory". The date of June 22, 1527 is commemorated as the date of birth of the City Jakarta. The Dutch came by the end of the 16 centuries and took control of Jayakarta. Jayakarta, was again renamed as Batavia in the 17th century by the Dutch imperial forces, who arrived in 1596 and built many fortifications in Jakarta. During the Japanese invasion in 1942, that Batavia was once again renamed Jakarta reminding of Jayakarta.
Lying near the equator, Jakarta is hot and humid climate year-round. The period from October to February is the wet season when at least some rain falls each day, often in short, torrential busts. Average daily temperatures range from 25°C (80°F) to 31°C (90°F). Jakarta gets a steady supply of 12 hours daylight throughout the year, in the dry season the skies are clearer.
It’s rapid growth into a metropolitan city reflects the economic, political, social and industrial development of the nation. Jakarta has some manufacturing industries: several iron foundries and repair shops, margarine and soap factories, printing works, tanneries, textile mills, sawmills, food-processing plants, breweries and a film industry.
Buses are the primary means of public transportation in Jakarta. The PATAS buses provide a comfortable ride with air conditioning facility. DAMRI buses run every half an hour to five city terminals and the arrivals information desk can advise which one travels the closest to your hotel. There are two forms of tricycle rickshaws available in Indonesia: the motorised version is called bajaj, which is a bright orange colour and seats two passengers, with the driver in front; and the becak is pedal-powered by a rider sitting behind a maximum of 2 passengers. There are regular taxis and also exclusive ones for people looking for convenience. The stylish and elegant taxis are usually black sedans, these exclusive taxies guarantee comfort and a smooth ride. Car hire is available from a number of companies and from taxi firms, some of which also provide a limousine service.
According to the National Education Law, basic education is a general education program with a duration of nine years - six years of primary education and three years of junior secondary education. The nine-year Compulsory Basic Education Program attempts to provide an education for every Indonesian in the 7 to 15 age group. All citizens in the country have to finish 9 years of education, 6 years at elementary level and 3 in middle school. Children with ages 5 to 6 or 7, attend kindergarten. It is not mandatory for Indonesian toddlers but the objective is to train them for primary school. Higher education method in the country consists of college or academy, polytechnic, institute and university. Jakarta is home to many of the country's finest research institutes, educational facilities, and cultural organizations. The University of Indonesia, founded in Jakarta in the 1930s, is the nation's oldest university.
Jakarta's architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of outside influences, which came and has remained in this vital seaport city. It is home to a dynamic contrast between Western-style skyscrapers, modern urban life-styles and traditional Indonesian culture. The old town of Batavia is the oldest and finest reminder of the Dutch presence in Jakarta. At one time, it contained a massive shoreline fortress and was surrounded by a sturdy wall and a moat. In the early 19th century much of the unhealthy city was destroyed by the government in a bid to freshen things up a bit, but there are still plenty of Dutch influences in this part of town.
Just a 10-minute walk north from Taman Fatahillah in Old Batavia, the old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains a busting hub for those involved in the vibrant interisland trade, along with being center of activity for fresh fish auctioneers. Sunda Kelapa was vastly overshadowed in the 1880s by the construction a few miles east of a modern port at Tanjungprio, but Sunda Kelapa still handles timber schooners, which are picturesque enough to rank among the outstanding sights for tourists in Jakarta. The schooners are called "phinisis", and they are made some 700 miles to the east, on Sulawesi.
The National Monument (MONAS) symbolizing the fight for Indonesia’s Independence. The 137 meters high monument located in the center of Merdeka (Freedom) square, at the center of the city. Built during Sukarno's era of fierce nationalism, it is one of many monuments representing the people's determination to achieve freedom. The main attraction at Monas is its observation deck; from there you can see Jakarta skyline. The flame at the top of the Monument symbolises the spirit of an independent Indonesian nation.
The festivals and events of Jakarta have rendered a festive spirit to the charming city. Full of different customs, colours and fun, the festivals and events is a welcome break in the otherwise busy life of the Jakarta residents. The capital city is also the cultural hub of the country and the nature of festivals and events that take place are the reflections of the tastes and choice of the common people. The Film Festival attain international proportions and attract a large crowd every year, takes place over a little more than a week in December. The other festivals are equally close to the heart and are celebrated with great pomp and show.
