Jakarta

Orientation

Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, is one of the biggest and most exciting cities in Asia today. Indonesia was forcibly colonized and Jakarta was renamed as Batavia by the Dutch East India Company in 1619. Indonesia achieved independence in 1945 and Jakarta has been the national capital. The city's changes and rich culture have been preserved by Jakarta's museums as well as the restoration of the colonial architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries of Old Batavia town.

City Facts

• Jakarta Population: 9,815,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Indonesia Population: 212,565,000 (Source: UN Population Division 2000 estimate)
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Time Zone: GMT+7 hours
• Language: Bahasa and Betawi Indonesian
  

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

Jakarta is always hot and humid, and October to February is the wet season when short busts of torrential rain can be expected every day. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C (80°F to 90°F).

Travel Tips

Arts and Events

There is a high Muslim population in Indonesia, and Jakarta is no exception. Visitors should understand and respect local beliefs, especially during the fasting period of Ramadan. Transport can be packed and prices can soar during the nation's main holiday period, which follows Ramadan.

Jakarta's cultural platform is the Taman Ismail Marzuki, which is the host of various Indonesian performances, like poetry readings, jazz concerts and even premier screenings of international films.

Visitors can also witness Indonesian culture on the streets of Jakarta, as it has a widest range of street hawkers, markets and restaurants in the country.

Dining

Since the 12 million population of Jakarta encompasses over 200 ethnic groups, the city offers a huge diversity of local cuisines. Often available at inexpensive food stalls, the delicious typical Indonesian meal consists of steamed rice and a number of main courses. Tropical fruits are often served as desserts. Meanwhile, major hotels offer Indonesian, Western and even Chinese foods.

Tipping Advice

A service charge is usually included in hotels and restaurants bills, but small tips are always appreciated for the friendly and reliable services.

Transportation

Although Jakarta is linked by rail and road to most Indonesian cities, visitors are encouraged to travel by air whenever possible.

Arriving by Air

Jakarta and surrounding areas are served by the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Getting Around Jakarta

The public buses depart the airport for various city terminals every half hour, and bus fare is only 7,000 rupiahs, which is approximately US$1. Visitors should check which bus travels the closest to their hotels at the airport's arrivals information desk. To travel around Jakarta, visitors should only use licensed taxis or hire a car.

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