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, the Indonesia population exhibits marked
diversity in its linguistic, culture, and religious traditions.
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. Strategically
positioned in the archipelago, 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.
Jakarta is
one of Indonesia's designated tourist areas. It is a
gateway to other tourist destinations in Indonesia and is equipped
with all the means of modern transportation by air, sea,
rail, or by land. It has the largest and most modern
airport in the country, the most important harbor in
Indonesia and is well connected by rail of good roads
to other destinations in Java, Sumatra, and Bali. As
Indonesia's main gateway, Soekarno-Hatta International
Airport serves a growing number of international airlines and
domestic flights. Jakarta is a city of contrasts; the
traditional and the modern, the rich and the poor, the
sacral and the worldly, often stand side by side in
this bustling metropolis. Even its population gathered
from all those diverse ethnic and cultural groups,
which compose Indonesia, are constantly juxtaposed present
reminder of the national motto; Unity in Diversity.
Finding its
origin in the small early 16th century harbor town of
Sunda Kelapa, Jakarta's founding is thought to have taken place
on June 22, 1527, when it was re-named Jayakarta, meaning
Glorious Victory by the conquering Prince Fatahillah
from neighboring Cirebon. The Dutch East Indies
Company, which captured the town and destroyed it in
1619, changed its name into Batavia and made it the center
for the expansion of their power in the East Indies. Shortly after
the outbreak of World War II, Batavia fell into the
hands of the invading Japanese forces that changed the
name of the city into 'Jakarta' as a gesture aimed at
winning the sympathy of the Indonesians. The name was
retained after Indonesia achieved national independence
after the war's end.
The ethnic of Jakarta called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well in the surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. Their language, Betawi Malay, has two variations: conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang form spoken by the younger generation and migrants.
The ethnic of Jakarta called "Orang Betawi" speaks Betawi Malay, spoken as well in the surrounding towns such as Bekasi and Tangerang. Their language, Betawi Malay, has two variations: conventional Betawi Malay, spoken by elder people and bred in Jakarta, and modern Jakarta Malay, a slang form spoken by the younger generation and migrants.
Jakarta's
architecture reflects to a large extent the influx of
outside influences, which came and has remained in this vital
seaport city. Taman Fatahillah Restoration Project, begun in the
early 1970s has restored one of the oldest sections
of Jakarta also known as Old Batavia to approximately
its original state. The Old Portuguese Church and
warehouse have been rehabilitated into living museums.
The old Supreme Court building is now a museum of
fine arts, which also houses part of the excellent Chinese
porcelain collection of former Vice President Adam Malik. The
old Town Hall has become the Jakarta Museum, displaying
such rare items as Indonesia's old historical
documents and Dutch period furniture. Its tower clock
was once returned to England to be repaired under its
lifetime guarantee, which up to now has already lasted
hundreds of years.
In recent
years, Jakarta has expanded its facilities for visitors
with luxury hotels, fine restaurants, exciting nightlife and modern
shopping centers. It contains many tourist attractions
such as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful
"Indonesia in Miniature" Park), restored colonial
period buildings, island resorts in the Pula Seribu
(Thousand Island), and an extensive beach recreation
complex called Ancol. "Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park"
popularly called TMII "Taman Mini Indonesia Indah",
built to portray the variety of cultures found within the many
islands contained in the Republic of Indonesia, this
open-air museum comprises the many architectural forms
of arts and traditions of all Indonesia provinces. It
is proof of the country's motto of Unity in Diversity
as well as Freedom of Religion depicted in the houses
of worship built on the grounds.
Jakarta has
preserved its past and is developing for the future.
Skyscrapers in the center of the city are part of a new look.
Modern luxury hotels today cater to the discriminating visitors.
Transport within the city is plentiful. Jakarta is
the center of the nation's industrial, political and
cultural life. It is home to many of the country's
finest research institutes, educational facilities,
and cultural organizations. Jakarta is uniquely the
seat of both the national as well as the regional government.
Over the
last several decades, Jakarta has proudly developed
into one of Asia's most prominent metropolitan centers. Today,
Jakarta's skyline is covered by modern high rises. The many
state-of-the-art shopping centers, recreation
complexes and toll-roads have become hallmarks of the
city. The quality of life and the general welfare of
its inhabitants have improved considerably with the city's
fast pace of development. Jakarta's cultural richness and dynamic
growth contribute significantly to its growing
importance as one of the world's leading capital
cities
Geographically
The Province is geographically located on 6012' South Latitude and 106048'- East Longitude. The government administration is set into 5 regions South Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and 1 regency/ administrative city, namely Thousand Island regency. The largest city is East Jakarta (187.73 sq km) and the smallest is Thousand Island regency (11.81 sq km). The average rainfall is 1,916.8- 924.50 mm/year. The temperature is between of 22 C - 33 C.
The Province is geographically located on 6012' South Latitude and 106048'- East Longitude. The government administration is set into 5 regions South Jakarta, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, West Jakarta, North Jakarta and 1 regency/ administrative city, namely Thousand Island regency. The largest city is East Jakarta (187.73 sq km) and the smallest is Thousand Island regency (11.81 sq km). The average rainfall is 1,916.8- 924.50 mm/year. The temperature is between of 22 C - 33 C.
People
Indonesians are known as friendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things, which are not done among Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or receiving things with the left hand is no - where acceptable. The handshake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody.
Indonesians are known as friendliest people in the world towards foreigners and most tolerant towards their manners. But there are few things, which are not done among Indonesia. They consider the head as something sacred that must be respected. Patting on the head is not done among adults. Calling someone by crooking the index finger is considered impolite and giving or receiving things with the left hand is no - where acceptable. The handshake accompanied with a smile is common among men and women greeting or welcoming somebody.
Not less 9
million people live in Jakarta representing nearly all
the ethnic groups in the archipelago. The major groups are
Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese, and the native community is Orang
Betawi (people of Betawi). The other large groups are
the Minangkabau people, the Bataks, the Manadonase,
and the other people from Sulawesi and the Ambonase.
Orang Betawi emerged in the 19th century from a
melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. They
have their own culture distinct from other ethnics' cultures.
In 1923 they founded an organization called Kaum Betawi, which
was in fact a statement about the existence of the
Betawi ethnic group. The majority professes is Islam.
But it does not mean that Indonesia is an Islamic
state. It is a Pancasila state. And one of the
principles of Pancasila, the state ideology, is "belief
in the one Supreme God". This means that the various belief
systems must be respected and respect each other. This explains
the ubiquitous Moslem prayer houses in the city beside
many churches and a few temples.
In Taman
Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature
Park), the prince Diponegoro Mosque is juxtaposition with the
saint Catherine Church, the Hallelujah Church, the Pura
Penataran Agung Kertabumi Temple, the Aria Dwipa Arama
Monastery and the Indonesian Mystic Convention Hall,
symbolizing the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity In
Diversity) in matters of religions and belief -
systems.
Betawi
Indonesia's cultural diversity is celebrated in the national motto, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, meaning "Unity in Diversity." One manifestation of this tenet of Indonesian national identity is the government's efforts to give equal precedence to the development of traditional art forms from each ethnic group. In Jakarta, Orang Betawi, the natives of the city, are considered to be the hosts of these cultures, having emerged from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures of Indonesia in the 19th century. Today they constitute one of the city's main ethnic groups along side the Javanese (from Central and Eastern Java), Sundanese (from West Java) and Chinese.
Indonesia's cultural diversity is celebrated in the national motto, Bhineka Tunggal Ika, meaning "Unity in Diversity." One manifestation of this tenet of Indonesian national identity is the government's efforts to give equal precedence to the development of traditional art forms from each ethnic group. In Jakarta, Orang Betawi, the natives of the city, are considered to be the hosts of these cultures, having emerged from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures of Indonesia in the 19th century. Today they constitute one of the city's main ethnic groups along side the Javanese (from Central and Eastern Java), Sundanese (from West Java) and Chinese.
Culture
To see for themselves what and now those Betawi art forms are, we can go to any travel agent and ask for tour to a " Betawi Cultural Institution "to catch a glimpse of the real thing". Or we can visit the Jakarta pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) which has long been showing Betawi ceremonies such as the Betawi wedding ceremony, the circumcision procession, the baby head - shaving ceremony etc. As mentioned before, the Betawi group emerged in the 19th century from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. Today the Betawi culture has a distinct personality of its own, but one can discern the various influences of other cultures by looking or listening to its art form.
To see for themselves what and now those Betawi art forms are, we can go to any travel agent and ask for tour to a " Betawi Cultural Institution "to catch a glimpse of the real thing". Or we can visit the Jakarta pavilion at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park) which has long been showing Betawi ceremonies such as the Betawi wedding ceremony, the circumcision procession, the baby head - shaving ceremony etc. As mentioned before, the Betawi group emerged in the 19th century from the melting pot of races, ethnic groups and cultures. Today the Betawi culture has a distinct personality of its own, but one can discern the various influences of other cultures by looking or listening to its art form.
The Tanjidor
orchestra is certainly inherited from Dutch land -
owners and the Gambang Kromong and Cokek dance originated in
the residence of wealthy Chinese traders and merchants. The
Betawi Cokek dance shows Balinese influence in the
movement of the dancers and the style of playing the
gamelan. This style of playing the gamelan can also be
observed in the gamelan orchestra accompanying the
Wayang Kulit Betawi show. The Portuguese speaking community
has also left its inheritance, the Kroncong Tugu with its popular
songs Nina Bobo, Kaparinyo and Kroncong moritsko is
said to be the origin of the popular Kroncong
orchestra of to day.
The Javanese
presence since the 17th century has left its mark too
on the Betawi music, dance and theatre; Wayang Kulit Betawi
and Lenong are examples of this influence. A major influence on
the Betawi culture is Islam, the religion of the
majority of the people. The Rebana orchestra, the
Gambus orchestra, the Zapin or Japin dance are Islam
inspired art forms. The Betawi traditional art is
developed and accepted well. Not only Betawi people, but
also other ethnic groups are fond of this art. For example, the
traditional drama-Lenong and Topeng Blantik (Blantik mask),
the traditional dance - Tari Topeng (Mask Dance),
Ondel-ondel, Ronggeng Topeng, etc, the traditional art
of music - Sambrah, Rebana, Gambang Kromong,
Tanjidor, Puppet - Betawi puppet using the Malay-Betawi
dialect
Basically
the marriage system used by Betawi people is the Islamic
law. To whom they are allowed or have not allowed to get married
with. The young people are also free to choose their
partners. In spite of this, the parents` role either
from the man's or woman's side are very important to
approve the marriage, for the parents are involved in
holding the marriage party. Before getting marriage
the man and the woman are introduced to each other and when they
both have agreement, the man's parents will propose the girl.
After the two parties reach an agreement, they decide
the time to hold the dowry delivery ceremony which is
usually represented by another party, such as the
relatives of the man's and the woman's sides. The
marriage ceremony is held on the agreed day. After the
marriage contract ceremony both the man and the woman go back
to each their parents (their home). A few days later a ceremony
of parents-in-law relationship is held and the
bridegroom goes in procession to the bride's house.
Before entering the bride's house, the bridegroom's
side holds the question-answer ceremony by using the
traditional poetry rhythm and it is accompanied by
tambourine/rabana music with the welcome / marhaban songs. Then,
the bridegroom is allowed to enter the house to meet the
bride. They sit side by side for a moment. After that
the bridegroom joins his parents and companions who
escort him to the bride` house. When the ceremony is
finished the bride may come with his husband to his
house.
Language
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia and English is the most spoken and understood foreign language. In convention hotels they have translators for English, France, Dutch, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and even Spanish. The native Betawi people speak Betawi Malay, which is different from standard Malay. There are variations in the language according to region, the Betawi Malay of the centre and that of the periphery. There are also socio - cultural variations. The older people born and bred in Jakarta speak the traditional Betawi Malay, while the younger people and migrants speak the modern version of the language. In the language, various influences from other cultures are apparent, Balinese, Sundanese, and Javanese influences are there and words derived from Arabic, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese are easily recognizable. Betawi Malay is spoken not only in Jakarta, but also in parts of Bekasi, Tangerang and Bogor, which belong to the province of West Java.
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia and English is the most spoken and understood foreign language. In convention hotels they have translators for English, France, Dutch, German, Japanese, Mandarin, and even Spanish. The native Betawi people speak Betawi Malay, which is different from standard Malay. There are variations in the language according to region, the Betawi Malay of the centre and that of the periphery. There are also socio - cultural variations. The older people born and bred in Jakarta speak the traditional Betawi Malay, while the younger people and migrants speak the modern version of the language. In the language, various influences from other cultures are apparent, Balinese, Sundanese, and Javanese influences are there and words derived from Arabic, Dutch, Chinese and Portuguese are easily recognizable. Betawi Malay is spoken not only in Jakarta, but also in parts of Bekasi, Tangerang and Bogor, which belong to the province of West Java.
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JAVA TRIPS AND TOUR
email : javatrips@gmail.com
(+62) 8121561972
JAVA TRIPS AND TOUR
email : javatrips@gmail.com
(+62) 8121561972