| Jakarta is the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia, a country composed of more than 13,000 islands with a population of over 180 million. Comprising more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages in its linguistic. As the Capital City, Jakarta is a melting pot of representatives from each of these ethnic groups. Jakarta is a special territory enjoying the status of a province, consisting of Greater Jakarta, covering of 637.44 square km area. Located on the northern coast of West Java, it is the center of government, commerce and industry and has an extensive communications network with the rest of the country and the outside world. the city is also the principal gateway to the rest of Indonesia. From the Capital City, sophisticated land, air, and sea transport is available to the rest of the country and beyond. Pelabuhan Sunda Kelapa (Sunda Kelapa Port) :The old port area of Sunda Kelapa remains a busting hub for those involved in the vibrant interisland trade, Taman Fatahillah (Fatahillah Square) :The site located in the historic Old City area. It offers three of the city's most interesting museums. Monas (Monumen Nasional)The site is Jakarta's well- known landmark. The 137 meters high monument located in the center of Merdeka (Freedom) square, at the center of the city. With many government buildings in the area, this is the administrative heart of Jakarta. Masjid Istiqlal(Istiqlal Mosque) : This stately national mosque is Southeast Asia largest mosque and positioned on the corner of Merdeka Square. Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (Jakarta Art Theatre) :one of the historical landmarks among the many buildings in Jakarta which have been conserved. Some of the city's best performances of music, dance and theatre by both Indonesian and foreign artists presented here. Pasar Seni (Art Market)This colourful open- air market located in Ancol Amusement Park. This market provides a unique experience for not only purchasing quality Indonesia arts and craft, but also a chance to see and meet the artisans at work. You can watch puppet makers, wood- carvers, painters and many other craft makers from throughout the archipelago cheerfully working on their creations. Open daily from 02:00 pm 09:00 pm on Monday to Saturday and 10:00am 09:00 pm on Sundays Many regional dishes are popular here - including spicy hot Padang food, delicious chicken from Kalasan in Central Java, grilled fish from Ujung Pandang and delicious Chinese seafood dishes. A good place in Jakarta to get a quick introduction to Indonesian cuisine would be at a mall food court. American, Asian, Brazilian, British, Chinese, Deli, Dutch, European, French, Greek, Indian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Mediterranean, Mexican, Nouvelle, Pizza, Seafood, Spanish, Steak Houses, Swiss, Thai, Turkish, Vegetarian, Vietnamese, Tex- Mex, western fast food are easily available there . Jakarta offers great shopping. Prices for "branded" products can be up to 40% lowen than in any other country in Asia. The shopping malls are all of international standard and shopping paradise like Pasaraya, Blok M, Plaza Senayan, Taman Anggrek, and Plaza Indonesia are places not to be missed. Antiques lovers should go to Jalan Surabaya "flea market" in the Menteng district and close to Jakarta's center. Lots of the antiques are genuine, but, like in any other great city in the world, lots of it can be fake too. So be careful with what you buy and always bargain |
